It doesn't seem possible that there would be any way to make the loss of a most beloved brother easier to bear, but somehow a wonderful nurse named Lynn was able to do that for my family. My brother, K, was admitted to the hospital with complications of advanced cancer and was quickly moved to the ICU. When we had to make the agonizing decision to ease his suffering and move to palliative care only, Lynn was most comforting to us. She was a perfect combination of strong professionalism as she related the medical ramifications of our decision with soft compassion as she assured us of K's continued comfort. She explained every development in language we understood and answered all of our questions; she checked on us often and was generous with her time and conversation. When we needed her, she was quick to appear. At one point, she massaged my sister's shoulder and actually stroked my brother's hair and spoke softly to him, although he was not conscious, and that created such a sense of authentic care for my family - in that moment she was one of us, grieving with us. In the wee hours of the night she even laughed with us as we recounted the lovely and humorous memories of my brother. She instinctively knew when it was time to hold my brother's hand and say good-bye and we were grateful for that knowledge. Lynn stood with us as he took his last breath, and true to her word, he did not suffer. She again explained what would happen next and allowed us time alone with him. Cancer is a terrifying and heartbreaking journey for not only the patient but their families. You learn along the way though to look for the smallest bits of good and give gratitude for them. Lynn was definitely one of those things. After all the time K spent in medical facilities he had a long litany of nurses, so many of them caring and kind and competent. Lynn was my brother's last, and best, nurse, and we are so grateful for her, as I know he would have been.

Note: This is Lynn's 2nd DAISY Award!