My mother suffered two bi-lateral strokes sometime in the past two weeks. While hospitalized she was also diagnosed with a chronic blood clot in her right leg. To make matters worse, my mom received news that her first-born granddaughter, whom she helped raise, had passed away suddenly and unexpectedly. The strokes were in the areas of the brain dealing with language and vision and my mom suffered impairments in these areas. She is also dealing with a severely impinged nerve on her right leg. All this to say, my 91-year-old precious mother has been scared by the strokes and also confused, devastated, and crying often about the death of her granddaughter, and worried about her recovery and rehabilitation, as well as going home uncertain if something might happen again. Then Kathleen entered to help her mend, take care of her needs, and comfort mom's broken heart.

Kathleen has been with her for three full days, even requesting her as a patient for the last two days so that mom could continue to benefit from her care. There are too many examples of how she not only made a difference in the care of my mother but also in the life of my mother, as well as in my life and my brother’s life as we have traded off sitting by mom's side this week. A few examples follow:

Within minutes of meeting Kathleen, Monday morning, mom and I were both touched by her bedside manner, her knowledge, her skill, and her compassion. Frankly, I was so relieved she would be caring for my mom and I told her she was a godsend to help us in this challenging time. My brother and I are both advocates for Mom's health and care, and we have barraged Kathleen this week with - literally - hundreds of questions. She has patiently answered them, welcomed them, and shared her knowledge and insight. At one point I asked her if she had been in nursing for years. I was quite surprised she had only been in nursing for two years. Her knowledge and skills were so impressive that at one point I asked her if perhaps she wrote a blog that I could subscribe to providing insight and expertise on future care. While she laughed, I was serious. Kathleen has a servant's heart.

My mom is very modest and Kathleen is the one she has trusted the most by helping her deal with such intimate things as going to the bathroom on the toilet next to the hospital bed, and helping her use feminine hygiene products. During these times Mom had periodically teared up at times, but Kathleen has shared and encouraged her to be ok with seeking help when needed and accepting the offer of help without embarrassment. I suspect these instances may be the most painful for my mom to recall after leaving the hospital but I am so thankful the painful memories will also be accompanied by a vision of Kathleen's servant-heart and her overwhelming comfort Kathleen has served as a life-line between us and the medical team. I have often mentioned a concern to Kathleen, only to be told later that she had sent a note to Dr. H regarding the issue. She does what she says she will do - without question - but then she builds upon that and does more. This has given me 100% confidence that she knows what she is doing, does it well, and that we are in good hands while in her care. I trust her.

Trust is earned and is often hard to come by. I have trusted Kathleen from the very beginning.  As I shared earlier, mom has been scared and grieving. Kathleen offered to pray with her and as a Christian, Mom needed and wanted that. Kathleen has prayed with her numerous times this week - before meals, when she was in physical pain, and when she was grieving. Today was a particularly hard day for my mom regarding the passing of her granddaughter. At one point she was sobbing in bed while Dr. H was talking with me in the room. Kathy could sense Mom needed her and to the side of Mom's bed, kneeled, wrapped her arms around Mom, and just held my precious mom for several minutes. I believe someone's character is defined by their words and by their actions my mom is leaving the hospital in good shape. Her cognitive afflictions have improved, and she leaves with renewed hope and optimism for a brighter tomorrow.

It is important to note that on her journey at Baylor Hospital, every staff member, nurse, technician, and doctor have been outstanding and exceptional.  However, without question, the shining star on this exceptional team has been Kathleen. Not only has she provided outstanding nursing care to my Mom and education and support to me and my brother, but she has also touched our lives in a great and bright was and her impact will be felt for as long as my Mom lives. Our gratefulness for her will continue even longer.