Just after Thanksgiving in 2018, my mother became ill and was hospitalized. She had multiple issues going on and there was a cascading effect due to a urinary tract infection, diarrhea caused by an antibiotic, and issues with her insulin due to diabetes. While she was in the hospital she was being diagnosed for multiple issues and she did not want to be here. She was uncharacteristically ornery (UTI!) and wanted to check herself out. I knew she did not need to leave because she had not been fully diagnosed and treated yet. She eventually was admitted a total of three times before being on the right path to good health again.
During all of this, I sought advice from Kate Grew. Because my mother was not in her normal state of mind, I had to have her involuntarily committed so she wouldn't check herself out in the middle of being diagnosed and treated. Kate was like a lighthouse in the darkness, making herself available to offer advice and comfort during this uncertain and scary experience. Her compassion and wisdom were a godsend during this confusing and fearful time with my mother.
My mother was released after the third stay. It's amazing how much havoc a UTI can wreak in a little 80-year-old woman - I had no idea! It's now a little over a year later and my mother is doing great! She's had one more brief hospitalization due to her diabetes, but overall, she is doing fantastic. I am forever grateful to Atrium Health Cabarrus, the doctors, the nurses - all the caregivers, and to my dear friend, Kate Grew.