My mother was 92 years old. She was admitted to Mount Auburn Hospital with a small bowel obstruction. My mom had a complicated abdomen (two prior serious abdominal surgeries resulting in scar tissue and two large hiatal hernias). Her age and the state of her abdomen made her a bad surgical candidate. So, we attempted nonsurgical methods to treat her problem.

Unfortunately, the blockage could not be fixed, so I decided to move her to comfort measures and let her go. During this emotional, scary, difficult time, Arlin was attentive to not only my mother but to myself and my family. She stayed close to my mother's room, anticipating our needs. Helping me navigate the most difficult day of my life. Having Arlin to look to when I simply didn't know what the right thing to do at that moment was an amazing help to me. Her kindness and support were unwavering. Her exemplary nursing care was amazing to watch; she never lost her composure. Arlin was there with me when my mother passed, but not in an intrusive way - in a comforting way.

After my mother passed, she handled the preparation of my mother's body with great care and dignity. She is a true nurse in every sense of the word - a tribute to the field. Mount Auburn Hospital is lucky to have her on its staff.