Nurse Tatiana
I remember the first day we met, Ada was sure that I got scared and will not come back. She was wrong and we had a good laugh about it a couple of weeks later. There are many reasons why I stayed and loved taking care of Ada.
I saw a brave woman who refused to give up her fight with ALS. She used to say “I will kick ALS ass” and she fought a great battle. Even during some of the toughest days she did not let ALS take over. Ada’s intelligent and innovative mind created helpful tools to make her feel more comfortable. During the good days, we went outside to enjoy some fresh air and talked about nature, life and travel.
She had a kind heart and a good sense of humor. Ada cared about people who cared for her by reminding us to do certain things differently so we wouldn’t get hurt. I remember she used to joke and make up names for different positions we adjusted her body for comfort: “frog”, “ballerina”, “Buddha”, the “classic tree” pose…Soon I learned to predict what Ada needed and every time I did something before she asked me for it, she would smile and think that I read her mind. It was nice to see her smile every day.
Most of all, Aldona was a great mother. She was involved in her daughter’s life the best she could. Every day I took care of Ada, she asked Anna about her day or plan a surprise for her. Just to make her daughter smile. Anna would come lie down next to her mom and they spent evenings together talking, watching videos and laughing. I could see it in Aldona’s eyes – so much love and how proud she was of her daughter.
I feel honored that I got to know and care for Aldona. A strong, but tiny, woman with a big heart. A great inspiration and a wonderful person. I will forever cherish all the happy memories we had together. May she Rest In Peace.
Nurse Tatiana.