Cherline Jean-Charles
April 2018
Cherline
Charles
,
RN
Radiology
Saint Barnabas Medical Center
Livingston
,
NJ
United States

 

 

 

In the days before Mom passed, she knew she wasn't going to make it. She told us to ask any questions we have and to hold her hand. The doctors were convinced they could save her. 18 more days of smiles and laughs with Mom, all of which we are eternally grateful for. Mom told us again on the day she passed that she wasn't going to make it. Nervously, I asked the nurse if there was any change. Cherline told me, empathetically, that everything still looked good, pressure, rate, etc. Again, empathetically, she told me "Mom isn't going anywhere. She is good." We left a few hours later to get some rest. On the hour drive home, I felt so grateful to have great nurses and doctors to rally for Mom and support us. I called the unit to thank Cherline for her kind words and renewing our hope. Half an hour later we were notified that Mom had lost a pulse and Mom was officially gone. When we returned that night, Cherline was still there 2 hours after her shift ended. She looked as sad as we were. She apologized and said they tried everything. We just hugged. I am still so thankful for that hope Cherline gave us. I never got to tell her that. I'm thankful for the information shared and the kindness the SBMC team provided us. Families and patients need hope and support. Your hospital delivered for us and we can't thank you enough. I firmly believe Mom waited for us to leave that night. While we were spared the heart wrenching last moments, a team at SBMC was not. Please share this with Cherline, she needs to know that I am grateful for the hope she shared and the care she gave Mom. Mom had so many angels at SBMC. She tried to tell each of you that you earned your wings, or you have your steps to heaven. Now she is our angel. All our love to your hospital and staff.