On Tuesday I received a phone call from my mother telling me that she was walking into the ER at Penn Highlands Elk because my grandma was taken there by ambulance after falling ill. As my mom was on the phone with me, she was approached by Kara and asked if my mom was with my gram. When Kara knew their relationship, I heard her ask my mom if the person she was talking to on the phone should know of my gram's condition, to which my mother replied "Yes."
Kara took the phone from my mom and place it on speakerphone, introduced herself and delivered the heart-wrenching news. My gram was having a major heart attack. Although I do not remember every detail, Kara made sure that we were informed of how serious her condition was and that they were going to Life Flight her to Penn Highlands Dubois. Kara asked me where I lived, to which I told her Pittsburgh, and would be coming home immediately to be with my family. Kara was very concerned about my safety and repeatedly told me to make sure I did not rush, and that I drove safely home. I remember telling her with tears in my eyes and a choking voice that I would do my best, but I knew I had to get home.
It was then that Kara asked me if I had an I phone and if she could face time with me after a few minutes so that I could see my gram and tell her I loved her. After a few minutes, Kara called me back on my mom's phone and I was able to hear and see my gram and have her tell me she loved me and to take care of my step-grandpa. Those would be the last words I got to hear from my gram. She was unconscious by the time I arrived in Dubois, and she died later that evening.
My gram was one of the most important and influential people in my life. On a day that will forever be one of the saddest days of my life, I will be able to look back on that precious moment with love and gratitude because of Kara's amazing heart. She went above and beyond what most people would do. Kara's quick thinking, awareness of the situation, and compassion for her patients set her above. Penn Highlands is very lucky to have such a caring person on their staff. I am grateful to her and Penn Highlands for the care and support that was shown for my gram and our entire family during this time.