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Florida – Ashley Ludlow experienced profound grief and guilt after making the agonizing decision to remove life support from her mother, Judy, nearly two decades ago. A subsequent phone call from an ICU nurse provided unexpected solace and affirmed the difficult choice she had made.
Ludlow’s mother had suffered a severe medical event that left her in a coma with no prospect of recovery. After careful consideration and in accordance with her mother’s previously expressed wishes, Ludlow made the decision to end life support. “I knew based on what she had written out that those were her wishes. but having to tell someone that out loud was agonizing. I was heartbroken, and the decision made me feel like that I myself was ending my mom’s life, and the guilt was overwhelming,” Ludlow said.
Following her mother’s passing, Ludlow wrestled with self-doubt, questioning whether she had done the right thing. Approximately one week later, she received a call from a male nurse who had been part of Judy’s care team at a Florida hospital. The nurse informed Ludlow that her mother had never regained consciousness,exhibited no signs of pain,and had passed away peacefully.
“He took the time to call me days later to tell me this information, to basically ease my burden and to let me know that the difficult decision that I had to make for my mom was indeed the right one,” Ludlow recalled.The nurse’s compassionate act provided crucial reassurance during a deeply painful time.
Ludlow has carried the memory of the nurse’s kindness for nearly 20 years, recognizing the profound impact of his empathy. “I don’t remember this guy’s name, but I do remember how he made me feel and how he changed my life.”
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