Just a week before our planned family vacation, my mother was rushed to the ER and ended up hospitalized for seven weeks. She required emergency surgery to repair a tear in her intestine and experienced many 'bumps' along the journey. It happened quickly, and the surgery really set my mother back. In fact, I had never experienced her so ill and it was a very stressful time.
During my very first encounter with Tammy, I was touched by her kindness. She was polite and caring to my mother, all the while encouraging her. The situation was so frightening to witness, and I was totally afraid of losing my mom. As I choked back tears, I motioned for her to walk with me outside my mom's hospital room, and I began to ask questions. Tammy stood with me in the hallway listening, answering and encouraging me until I finally burst into tears. It's hard to express in words the way I felt at that time, and in the weeks to come. But each time I felt the need to crumble, Tammy was there. She helped me reach the doctors in charge of Mom's care; she talked to me on days I was unable to be with Mom at the hospital to give me updates; she shared stories of nursing with my daughter (getting ready to enter the medical field); she explained and answered my questions about Mom's care, and was our liaison to the doctors and specialists. Our family bonded with Tammy and always felt comforted on the days we knew she'd be there to take care of Mom. She was such an encouragement to Mom and took great care of her needs.
Mom's pain and the medications seemed to depress her and we were all trying to keep her encouraged and upbeat. One thing that really sticks in my mind is the Sunday that Tammy strolled into the room and told us she was moving Mom down the hall. Mom agreed, and when she asked why she was being moved, Tammy shared "we are moving you to a special room that will be good for the soul". So yes, the room 'down the hall" was indeed a bright room with a view of the mountains (much like my mom's front porch view from her home). She spent many more weeks hospitalized, and the room continued to sooth and boost the healing of her soul!
On behalf of our family, I want to thank Tammy. The care and encouragement she showed my mom and our family were exemplary. I'm so thankful for her and the care she continually showed my mom.