...This past week I experienced deep sorrow as I spent the last three days of my mom's life in the MU-1 part of the Central Washington Hospital in Wenatchee, Washington. This is a locked down section where they place patients who cannot be in the regular hospital rooms. While I watched life ebb from my mother, I was comforted by Nurse Debra Kramer.

She had been a hospice nurse for many years before she came onto the hospital staff. She had just returned from nursing her mother-in-law, who passed away the week before. She showed such kindness to my mom, who was at first combative. She came each time I said that my mom was in pain. She spoke gently with me as she explained what was happening at each stage my mom was going through, and getting me ready to say goodbye. It was an extremely hard part of my life, but was made so much better because of this angel nurse.

On the evening my mom passed away, Debbie knew the end was near. I left about 7:30 pm for my hotel, and mom slipped away. Debbie called my cell phone personally, and gently broke the news. As I rushed back, she stayed overtime, and made my mom look so peaceful in the bed. She waited until I got back, and her hug was medicinal for my soul. When I told her my brother was an hour away, she made it possible to keep my mom in her room so my brother could also say goodbye.

I do know that God sent my mom to this wing for the explicit purpose of putting this gracious, empathetic, kind nurse into our lives during an extremely difficult time. If that doesn't warrant an award, I do not know what would. Thanks.