Regarding the care and service to a young 39-year-old woman with metastatic cancer: Her mother could not say enough wonderful things about Heather, comforting, an angel in disguise, amazing. Those are just a few words used by the mother to describe her daughter's home hospice nurse.
From the moment Heather stepped into their lives, however brief, she has been nothing but a comforting presence. On that fateful day, mom called Heather to let her know her daughter is passing.
Upon arriving, Heather got straight to work, not paperwork, emotional work. Heather found the mother on the floor with her daughter in her arms who had fallen from the couch during an intense episode leading to the patient's passing with much encouragement by Heather. All the while talking to the mom and explaining what she was doing.
Mom said she had never seen anyone with such gentleness and compassion, making sure the patient was comfortable and asking mom if she wanted more time with her daughter. Mom felt like a sacred moment to be acknowledged and grief validated that she was not expecting. Mom expressed formal recognition for the exceptional loving care she and her daughter received.