It was like a nightmare. My night was about to change and I hadn't a clue....
I get to work, park my car and start walking to the building when someone says to me, "It's a shame what happen to -----." "What happened to her?" "Her house burnt down and she died." "WHAT??? you're not serious. OMG!!! I couldn't believe it, I wouldn't believe it!! I was now in shock. By the time I got to my unit, I was crying like a baby and wasn't sure if I could even work. One by one the others trickled in. Their reactions were all the same of shock and disbelief. Who was crying, who was dumbfounded and others came in shaking their heads and just sat down saying, "I can't believe she's gone." I didn't remember anything about report, what little we recieved. I just couldn't get her out of my mind. To tell you the truth, I was totally numb. The entire night was one big blur and how I managed to get through it all, I'll never ever know. We worked together for so many years.
She was a wonderful nurse, one you'd love to work with. She knew everybody and eveyone knew her. All the residents loved her and she loved each and every one of them in their own special way. She always took the extra time to help them no matter how hectic her day was going. She always jumped in and did OT when she was needed and did it with a smile. She was such a caring person and contributed so much to nursing. This morning I wanted to see her walk onto the unit with her extra large cup of Dunkin' Donuts coffee, her extra large smile and her extra loud, "Good morning everybody!" but it didn't happen. It will never happen again. She will be sadly missed every single day by everyone. When our shift was finally over, I slowly walked back to my car, got in and broke down. I will truly miss her.
I can relate..one of my dearest friends/coworkers was killed on her drive home from work about a year and a half ago..always bubbly/smiling..for the longest time it's like I expected to see her be-bopping through the door with that smile/laugh she had...it's hard...and will be for a long time..still makes me sad, and I miss her still.....prayers and hugsssss for you, your coworkers, and her family.
I am very sorry for your loss. We too have lost co-workers tragically over the years. Each and every one of them were special in their own unique way. When such a loss occurs, it serves as a lesson to me to appreciate the co-workers that remain. It can be so easy to get into the small talk and gossip and pettiness... " She calls in sick every weekend she is booked. That one is lazy" ect. Life is shorter than we realize. Again I am so sorry. You will be in my prayers.
Sadie04
204 Posts
Just wanted to say how sorry I am for your loss. Give yourself sometime to grieve. My thoughts are with you