Below is a drawing done by coloring contest winner, Marisa Turnmire, Kindergarten. |
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Teresa Tunnel
Teresa Tunnel
Hospice of Middletown
In February of this year, my mother was hospitalized with little hope of living much longer. Teresa Tunnel, with Hospice of Middletown, talked to our family about taking our mother home and Hospice working with us. At that time, my mother wasn't going home, but we thanked her and told her we would let her know when the time came. She was very kind, considerate and compassionate and left her business card in case we had any questions. Two days later, still in the hospital and not having contacted Hospice because we weren't going home, we realized we needed help!! My mother was no longer being treated for her illness, just waiting for her to pass away peacefully. We were afraid and didn't have a clue what to expect. Teresa had left us her business card, and that Sunday morning, February 10, we called her at home and told her that Mom wasn't going to make it and we sure could use her help. Within about one half hour, she showed up in our hospital room, ready to stay for the duration. Through the entire dying process, Teresa was right there, not only helping care for my mother, making sure there was no pain and dying gracefully, but she was there for the entire family. Keep in mind, that at this time, we still hadn't gone with Hospice because it didn't look like we were going home. Teresa spent the entire day with us, not even leaving the room to eat. She walked us through the entire process and was totally at our beck and call, all on her own time. She knew exactly what to expect next and explained everything to us in language we could understand. Even Dr. Wadwha, who was treating my mother, listened as she explained what medications my mother should have to be sure she was pain free, and then issued exactly what she asked for. Not that we needed it, but that was just more reassurance to us that she knew exactly what she was doing. She was absolutely a God send to us and we appreciate everything she gave to us at that time. I would love to see Teresa get the honor she so rightly deserves, for giving of her own time to help a family in need.
Nominated by Susie McCarter
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