My wife D came home from the hospital after what was for her, and our family, a nightmare experience caused by the necessary, but very painful, COVID-19 rules that allowed no visitors at that time. When she arrived home, we were beside ourselves with fear knowing that D was needing care far beyond our knowledge or abilities.
From the first day she walked into our living room and approached D's bed, Shelby's honest, straight forward demeanor yoked with a compassionate caring for D and for us, offered us the gift of a peace that we did not think was possible. Visit after visit, every question was met with that same straightforwardness and compassion as was every concern we voiced. Most needs were anticipated and any that were not were met immediately.
Among the many wonderful gifts Shelby gave us as a family, on one of the last days of D's life, Shelby said, "in D I have just met one of the strongest women I have ever met. I have grown to love her, and you all as her family." Shelby showed the truth in these words through her honoring attitude toward D, her careful attention to every detail, and her active listening as we all described our experiences. Shelby was shocked, as we were, with the protracted end stage as D went more than 8 days without any food or water. Yet, she helped us to focus on and respect D's strength, not her suffering, during these difficult days. You cannot imagine what a blessing it was to know that her nurse- in those few minutes and hours she was with her- had come to know, honor, and care for the real D who was slipping away from us day by day. We are forever grateful.
Note: This is Shelby's 2nd DAISY Award!