By Maureen Darcey, CNM
On March 30th of this year, my mom, Dorothy B. Sullivan (a.k.a. Grandma Buddy) passed away.As I was packing up her apartment, I found this card, hand-painted by one of her patients.
Dear Mrs. Sullivan,
Though we only know each other by flashlight, I feel that I want to say thank you for your nightly services. From the very first night of my illness, I sensed something wonderful about you – and I still cannot describe what it is. I only know that I looked forward to your presence as you took my pulse, temperature and evaluated my needs…during the nights of the past 6 days. When I am home in my own bed tonight I shall think of you. You have taught me much about nursing…somehow you have told me that it is more than a job. May the dawn always fill you with light to see you though each day and night.
This note summed up the woman, the mother, the wife, the RN, the aunt, the neighbor my mother was. My whole life, I wanted to be a nurse, just like my mom. She was one of the hardest working women I ever met. She worked 25 years of nights in order to be home during the day, in case we needed her. My parents were “co-parenting” before it was fashionable!
The telephone was her umbilical cord to the world where she kept up with friends from 70-80 years ago, aunts in nursing homes, cousins at home, and all her children, grandchildren, and great-grandkids.
To honor her memory, I have started the Dorothy B. Sullivan Memorial Fund at WBWC. She wasn’t quite sure of my desires to become a midwife, but once I graduated and started working in birth centers, she was my biggest supporter!
Please consider donating to help us continue our “homegrown, home-owned” practice for women in our community. Your tax-deductible contribution will go towards the endowment in my mother’s name that directly helps the birth center continue to provide its invaluable services. You can donate now by clicking here. Please specify that you want your gift to go to the Dorothy B. Sullivan Memorial Fund. Thank you so much for your support!