Upon the beginning of our mom's daily routine, she was discovered unresponsive but breathing. Rescue was called and she was transported to Jacksonville Baptist Downtown. A CT scan revealed she had suffered a massive stroke on the right side of her brain, her right carotid artery was 100% blocked and she had suffered a heart attack as well. It was explained to us that these events had happened during the night and were completed which meant there was no chance of reversal of the effects. This would include complete paralysis on her left side.

My sister and I were presented with the long-term effects this would place on our mom. She would be paralyzed on her left side, would need a feeding tube, and would need to be placed in an assisted living facility since we weren't skilled to take care of those needs. We discussed this and agreed that these setbacks negated any chance of quality of life for her as she could not communicate, nor do anything for herself.

A little background on our mom is that she had been diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia about five years ago and had progressed to the point where she wasn't able to communicate understandably, nor could she do anything for herself as she was completely bedridden.

That evening, she was transferred to Neurology ICU, and the next day we met our mom's angel nurse and someone we consider our angel as well, Ashlee Clark, RN. From the moment we met Ashlee, she exhibited the utmost compassion, respect, patience, and understanding to both our mom and to our families. She never got tired of answering our questions and checking on our mom when asked. This would also be the day we had decided that it was time to let our mom go. Our children and spouses were all there and she more than graciously showed us compassion and allowed us all the time we wanted to spend with our mom before they proceeded with the removal of her tube.

Ashlee's ability to provide compassion was just unexplainable. We were very comfortable with her as her personality shined through as a truly kind, caring, and genuine individual in everything she did. At any time when she was dealing with our mom, she would speak to her just as if our mom was alert and listening. She told her what she was doing, apologized for any discomfort the suctioning caused, and assured her that she was almost through but wanted to clear her throat as much as she could. She would rub her arm and smile at her and talk to her. She would take the time to stop and look at us and ask if we needed anything, if she could answer questions, and provide words of comfort as well as exhibit genuine compassion toward us.

The next morning came and there had been no change in her condition. Upon our arrival, we were so blessed to have Ashlee as mom's nurse again. Ashlee continued that day with our mom just as she had the day before, treating her with genuine care and compassion. We met with Hospice in the afternoon and our mom was to be transported to Hospice at 17:00 that evening. Ashlee never failed to come in on a very regular basis and check on our mom, suction her, and made sure she was comfortable. She always took the time to see if we needed anything as well. Very shortly before 17:00, our mom took her last breath. We were right by the nurse's station and Ashlee immediately came in with a doctor. Unless you have been in the shoes of someone who has just lost their mom after such a long hard road battling Lewy Body Dementia with whom you basically can't communicate, it is so hard to put in writing the emotions we were experiencing. Ashlee was truly a Godsend. I would never have imagined someone whom you have never met could comfort and provide assurance as Ashlee did for each of us. I am forever grateful that she was the one with our mom and us for her last two days here on earth.

Ashlee, we absolutely love you and how you treated our mom, and she would have loved you too. Thank you for choosing to be a nurse. You are a true role model for others to look up to. We wish you nothing but the best life has for your future.