Witness by Medical Staff

I’m Diane, one of the caregivers on Audrey’s Medical Staff. We wanted to share with you some of our thoughts and feelings that we’ve experienced taking care of Audrey;
There wasn’t one of us on her Medical Staff that had ever taken care of such a unique young woman as Audrey.
Her Mom, Linda, taught us everything!
Audrey was a challenge to us on many levels. One of those challenges was that Audrey manifested physical illnesses that would be of a spiritual nature. Such challenges were very humbling experiences for us and I believe for her Doctors, as well.
We would be asked on a number of occasions if Audrey was in a coma. Was she sleeping? Does she feel pain? Can she hear me? We would say: “Most definitely, yes!”
Toni, one of Audrey’s nurses, remembered back to last August after her annual Event. Both Audrey and she were listening to the news when the report indicated that Audrey was in a “comatose state.”
In an eye to eye conversation, Toni said to Audrey, “Stop giving me a hard time! You’re supposed to be in a coma! They said so on TV!”
Toni said that Audrey had her own way of teasing. Frequently Audrey would set her alarm off on her machines and the minute one started to walk over to her bed, the alarm would stop. Or when going out to the kitchen to clean something of Audrey’s she would say “I’ll be right back! I’m going out to the kitchen!” If Toni wasn’t back in the period of time that Audrey felt appropriate, she would call Toni with the alarm and stop the alarm the minute she heard Toni’s footsteps.
Tammy would say many times, “Audrey keeps us on our toes!”
Audrey was like a sister to Tammy. She felt they had a very special bond.
Brandis’ nickname for Audrey was “Audie!” Brandis feels so blessed to have had the opportunity to care for Audrey. Over the past year Audrey has taught Brandis to celebrate life. But as Brandis says, “Most importantly, Audrey has brought me back to my Faith.”
Gail has been with Audrey 17 years, and couldn’t have said it better, “I loved Audrey dearly.”
Cindi, Audrey’s cousin, witnessed many events. She had the pleasure of watching Audrey grow in her angelic ways… playing with her siblings and cousins… always keeping everyone in line. “She is our angel!”
Susan loved Audrey as a daughter, often sharing women’s views on life and love. “When either of us felt the need, we all could communicate with our hearts and a special squeeze of our hands.”
For myself, Diane, I’ve known Audrey for many years and love her dearly! I’m so grateful to God for the gift He gave me to be able to take care of her! What a treasure! I will never forger her! She changed my life forever!
We will all miss holding you, Audrey… wiping your tears and just being there for you! It was an honor to be a part of your life!