Last night around 9, Mom was settled in and ready for sleep (and had given me permission to sleep, ha-ha). Once I knew she was deeply asleep, I did as is my norm--put on a book from Audible and set a 45-minute sleep timer, popped in my earbuds and eventually nodded off. In about an hour she woke me, yelling my name. I jumped up, asking what was wrong. She told me she was having a horrible dream and was scared. Nurse Thomas Anthony heard her and came in, and she explained to him how afraid she was from the dream. He simply put his hand over hers and asked "Can I pray for you?" and she answered yes. He bowed his head, held her hand, she closed her eyes, and not a word was spoken aloud, but peace soon filled the room. It was palpable. When she opened her eyes she was fully present for the first time, and fully at peace. He helped her to the bathroom, we changed her linens and gown, I washed her hair and face, and she laid back down...and after she got the mild medication I'd asked for, she slept. All…Night...Long. Deep and restful sleep she hadn't had in days.
Thank you God, for putting Thomas in the place to care for my Mama last night. Thank you for answering that prayer. And thank you that my Mama is back and the fear is gone. Thank you that I have my Mama still, and that the chaos and pain I went through the past few months now makes sense.
We are fortunate to have Thomas on our team providing excellent care and taking the time to comfort our patients. Thank you Thomas!