On October 10, Mom was airlifted from Monticello to IU Health Arnett for emergency surgery for blood clots in both lungs. My dad met her and the team there. I was able to arrive before she was taken back. Unfortunately, she did not survive the surgery. Although we know now how dire the situation was, we were unprepared for her loss.

We sat in shock and didn't know what to do next. Carol came in and showed us to the room next door to see Mom and for us to say our final goodbyes. As we stood by her body in shock and crying, I felt a hand touch my back. I assumed Carol had left the room, but when I turned to her, she also had tears coming down her face. She told us that she had been by Mom's side the entire time.

Mom was very anxious and nervous about everything, doctors’ appointments, dentist appointments, even getting a mammogram. Carol told us Mom was calm and that they had talked about what tattoo they would each be getting next. She had been wanting a new tattoo for quite some time.

Carol talked about Mom like she was a friend, not just a patient. Carol assured us that Mom was not afraid and seemed very peaceful. Her words offered us such great comfort at a time when it didn't seem possible. Her compassion for Mom and our loss brought us some peace. Most importantly, when we felt lost and out of sorts, Carol offered us love.