Mom visited the Emergency Room several times over the last year or so. Her most recent visit was in the early morning hours. Mom had Alzheimer’s and had fallen at her assisted living facility earlier that evening. She had fallen and hit her head and developed a large subdural hematoma. She was being cared for in the Emergency Room, and David was her nurse. When the on-call physician called me around 2:00 a.m. he advised that Mom would require surgery, as her brain had actually shifted in her skull and there was bleeding on her brain. We discussed possible outcomes and various scenarios, and it was decided that; pursuant to Mom’s written advanced directives, we would not be pursuing a surgical repair. Nature would just take its course, but chances were that Mom would not survive this fall. Mom had a fall in Spring of 2019, which landed her in the hospital (Wellstar Kennestone), and then several months of rehabilitation. During Covid-19 quarantine at her assisted living facility, she had fallen many more times and had been to the hospital three times in the last month alone. The situation was not getting any better, especially after battling both Covid-19 and pneumonia, and then several months of rehab, this summer.

During all of this time, we were not able to visit with our mother face to face. She lived on the second floor of her assisted living facility. I had been in her assisted living parking lot, holding up a sign that said “Hi Mom!”, and would call her on my cellphone, and she would wave from the second-floor window. I stood at her window of the rehab facility (thankfully, she was on the first floor), and would call and say hello. But there was never a chance for a face-to-face visit, or to hold her hand or to give her a hug. I understand the necessary Covid-19 protocols, and I’m not complaining. I just wanted you to know that our little Mom had not held her children’s hand or given them a hug since early March. The on-call doctor advised that I could arrange a FaceTime type call to Mom to say my goodbyes, etc. After hanging up with him, David was kind enough to coordinate a FaceTime visit with his personal cell phone. Mom chatted for a few minutes but was pretty groggy. David advised that if I could come to the hospital, I would be allowed to visit with Mom for a few minutes. Our family lives in Marietta, and my youngest brother lives 1+ hours away. He is a single dad raising two special needs children on his own. He typically leaves for work around 4:30 a.m., as he drives a large truck. This will be important a bit later in my e-mail explanation.

I arrived at the hospital around 3:00 a.m. and was immediately ushered in to see Mom. David was taking superior care of Mom, he seemed to anticipate what she would need next before she even did. She was groggy, and I was massaging her feet and I was telling her what a great Mom she was, and how grateful we were for all that she had done for us. I had asked David if my younger brother would be allowed to visit with Mom, as he had not seen her since Christmas Day. David advised that the admittance folks wanted to move Mom upstairs to a room and that she would definitely need to move by 6:30 a.m., before the shift change. David kindly coordinated with the admittance folks to keep Mom downstairs until my brother could arrive. I contacted my brother, and thankfully he made it to the hospital in time to say his goodbyes to Mom and give her a hug and a kiss. His visit with Mom was so important because he had not had an opportunity to say goodbye to our brother, nor our father before they passed away. I really think it would have been so impactful if he had not had that opportunity with Mom.

When it was time for Mom to be taken upstairs, David quietly motioned to us that it was time. We said our goodbyes, and Mom was wheeled out the door. David then quietly advised that she would not be in pain as she passed, and he explained the process and what would happen in the near future. His kind and thorough explanation were most helpful, as the next day I would witness exactly what he said would occur. While I was still not prepared for Mom’s passing, I at least had a bit of an understanding as to what was happening.

I’m so grateful that she is out of pain, no longer tormented by Alzheimer’s, and is back to 100%. She was a spunky little lady, and the Alzheimer’s and the limits that her body were placing on her were so upsetting for her. May I just say that David's kindness, thorough care, and caring attitude made a huge difference in our Mom’s last two days of her life. My brother and I were able to say our goodbyes, give our little Mom a hug and kiss, and know that she was not going to suffer. David had an impactful effect on how the events would play out for our little family, and I will never forget his kindness and assistance.

I will forever be indebted to David and the kindness and care that he extended to us. He made a huge difference for our family. Thank you for allowing me to share our story. I very much appreciate your acknowledgment of one of the many superior caregivers within your organization.