My mother was admitted to HMC until she passed away there. Throughout her stay, Amy took incredible care of her on the weekends. Amy was kind, compassionate, and always explained procedures and medications thoroughly so that my mom could understand. While she was at HMC, my mother gradually grew sicker, and Amy was steadfast. Mom's oncologist has been a poor communicator and has not always been clear on what was going on with Mom and what our next steps and expectations would be. Fortunately, we had Amy. Amy kept us in the know, and she was honest with me as her caregiver, even when it was difficult. The day before Mom passed, they took her for a CT, and I had the opportunity to talk to Amy privately about the situation, and I will be grateful for both her kindness and straightforward nature in the most impossible conversation. I knew my mother was dying, but no one would say those words--except for Amy. That night, I confirmed with my mother's oncologist, and I had to be the one to tell her this was the end of the road. I had the courage and the words to do so because of Amy’s impact.

When it was time for her funeral, I was not at all surprised to see Amy in attendance, and that meant the world to me, as it would have to my mom. I introduced her as Mom's favorite nurse, because that's who she will always be to us. In those short weeks, Amy became our family, and as a nurse myself, I know that's not the norm. Amy is truly special and absolutely fulfilling her purpose through her work. She is patient, compassionate, knowledgeable, and honest, exactly the characteristics that we as nurses strive to be. She is a wonderful human, and I will always be thankful our paths crossed when and where they did. My mom bragged on her and talked about how special she was until the day she passed, and that speaks volumes about Amy’s impact. In my mom's darkest moments, Amy brought her comfort that the rest of us could not.