My Mother, K, passed away this spring and it has taken me quite a while to pull myself together. It is still difficult to think about those days at RGH but I need to recognize Jessica Dake for her care.
My Mom fractured her hip and was taken by ambulance to ER at RGH. Surgery was scheduled for Friday at 8 pm. Mom was taken up to the 6th floor while waiting for surgery on Friday. The hospitalist had spoken with me about the risks of surgery but said he would medically approve the surgery. I don't remember the exact time but around 7:30 pm on Friday the OR called and said that they were ready for Mom. Then the next thing I knew was that they had called back the floor and said that the doctor had not medically signed off for the surgery. Numerous pages to the hospitalist by Jessica were not returned. She tried calling everyone she could think of. She obtained his cell phone, still no success. But she didn't give up. She kept calling and finally the order was signed for the surgery just in time, the surgery was on the verge of being canceled if it hadn't been for Jessica's persistence.
Mom ended up being in RGH on the 6th floor for a month due to delirium, kidney failure, and a blood clot. In that month, Jessica was not only Mom's favorite nurse but my rock. She would emotionally support me, give me updates on blood work and ended up being the only one who could put IVs into Mom. Even when Jessica wasn't assigned to Mom's room, she would still offer to do the IV whenever the other staff had been unsuccessful. Mom and Jessica developed a wonderful rapport. Jessica told me that she looked forward to seeing what antics the 94-year-old was up to and loved Mom's eye roll.
After Mom left RGH for rehab, I sent photos to share with Jessica. Jessica surprised me by writing back and thanking me for updating her. Hopefully, Jessica won't mind me sharing what she said in her notes to me. I even read this at Mom's celebration of life service.
from Jessica:
"I have missed K and you. I often look into her old room thinking I will see that sweet 95-year-old woman trying to get into mischief. I thought you would be happy to know, that since Kay has left I have learned to crochet."
Then when I had to share with Jess that Mom wasn't doing well:
"I am so sorry to hear that my sweet K has taken a turn and is heading or may have already went to the Lord's doors as he waits for her with open arms. I will forever cherish the time I got to spend with K and you. I always looked forward to looking into her room. From the very first night, I met K to the day I waved goodbye to her I knew she would be someone to remember. It's because of K that I learned to crochet. As I said before, K won't be around forever but her memories will."
Jessica's words still bring tears to my eyes and always will. I am an only child with my only family members being my husband and a sister-in-law. I was at the hospital every day all day for a month all alone and I will always remember Jessica. Her care, compassion, nursing expertise, hugs, and a shoulder to cry on made a world of difference to a lonely daughter who worried every day about losing her Mom.