Wednesday, April 29, 2015
I am deeply saddened to hear that Maureen passed away. I met her when I was doing my clinical work at ECMC. Maureen had burned herself and she needed her wound redressed and I offered to do it. We started to talk and became friends. I didn't know what she was suffering from until I had to look at her chart. She never told me. After a short time she knew that I must have discovered the truth. Still the subject was rarely discussed. We would start to talk, and before I knew it, 30 minutes would pass and the charge nurse would come looking for me.(He didn't mind, he cared to.) Once she saw me cough, and every time she saw me after that, she asked ME HOW I WAS FEELING. She never complained about her pain and suffering. She spoke highly of her family and friends and never had anything negative to say, and nothing but positive energy to give. We talked about our pets. We both had fish at one time. I told her that all of my fish died due to my unintentional negligence. She said that she had a similar experience. I told her that at least she had an excuse. I studied biology, what was mine? I told her that I should go back to school and ask for my money back! Maureen was a kind, selfless, and caring soul who would always put others before herself. She was a good person, which is the highest complement I can give anyone. Her thoughtfulness, courage, and never ending compassion for others, will stay with me the rest of my life. I will take a little of what she showed me into every room of every patient I treat. Patrick, Maria, Steven, and Kevin, I am so sorry. On behalf of myself and everyone that cared for Maureen at ECMC, our thoughts and prayers are with you. With uttermost sincerity. Rob Welsh
