My beloved mother suffered a significant brain bleed. She was the light of our lives. My mom was a young seventy-five-year-old woman who had no predisposing health factors. We had no warning or any reason to believe such tragedy would strike our family. My mom was the most loving, kind and compassionate person who spent her life caring selflessly for her children and grandchildren. She had a beautiful, loving bond with her five grandchildren and played a tremendous role in their lives. She never missed a basketball game, a dance recital, school play or Christmas concert and was present for every birth. My mother was the first person to arrive for every holiday and I am sure she was more excited than the kids on Christmas morning. My mom was fiercely independent, never wanting to burden anyone with anything that had to do with her. My twenty-one-year-old daughter and her Mimi were the closest that two people could be. They spoke every day on the phone and my mother worried about her traveling to Westfield in her old car where she is studying to be a nurse. On that day my daughter didn't get her usual early morning text, wishing her well and safe travels. It was because of that bond that we were alerted that something wasn't quite right. My son found my mother that day sitting on her couch, unresponsive to him.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the nurses on 4West Oncology, especially these two RNs. This RN was the first nurse to care for my mother. We were exhausted, scared and had made one of the hardest decisions of our lives that day making my mom comfort measures only. I was determined to stay at the bedside with my mom, not leaving her until she passed. W was amazing knowing exactly what I needed in order to feel at peace with this decision. She was attentive to my mother's needs, making sure she was comfortable, warm (my mom was always cold), and not in pain. She brought blankets and pillows for me as she knew I would be staying for as long as needed in the room. The RN even brought me a toothbrush and toothpaste, which was the one normal thing I did for myself in those agonizing days. She exuded tenderness and empathy, traits that I believe cannot be learned. She talked to my mother in a way that brought me comfort. She was gentle and spoke softly, telling my mom everything she was going to do before she did it. She made sure my mom received her medication as ordered and checked on us continuously, even though the floor was extremely busy. On the second day, the same RN was assigned to my mother again. This time she arrived in her room with a large bag of snacks and drinks and a plant for both me and my sister. This RN had never met us before, yet she showed concern as if we were her family, and she will never know how much that meant to us.

Wendy was our night nurse, she advocated for us, getting hospice involved and making sure my mom had the proper pain control. My mom had some tough nights with fever and restlessness. Wendy took care of getting the PCA pump and managing her symptoms to make her last days as comfortable as possible. Wendy braided my mom's hair, rubbed lotion on her back, gave her the best oral care, and held my hand as I cried like a baby. She made sure I had a comfortable chair to rest in, and she continued to advocate for us as my mother transitioned. My mother had a peaceful, beautiful passing and I attribute that to the kindness, compassion and professionalism of these amazing nurses. They truly cushioned the pain of what will always be a tremendous loss to our family. I really hope you will consider honoring them both. My words of gratitude pale in comparison to the way my family felt having them care for our dear mother/sister/Mimi.