My uncle, R, was recently admitted into your hospital. His stay was all around amazing, and he was cared for very well, but there was one person that stood out above the rest that I really want to recognize. To do this, I thought I would start by telling my Uncle's story.
R is a healthy, hardworking, lighthearted man who enjoyed a successful career. He is widely respected and beloved by his coworkers, family, and friends. All that being said, he struggled to find someone to spend the rest of his life with. Then six years ago he married the love of his life and soul mate, A. Some things are definitely worth waiting for because you could not find a couple better suited for one another than these two people. They are both caring and full of energy. Four years ago, they were blessed with the birth of H, R's first child. R was nervous and excited about this new journey in front of him, but A knew he was destined to be a father. Life was perfect. They had a family of five, including A's two children B and D who R loved as his own. Then as quickly as their lives came together, it started falling apart.
Almost two years ago, just after his 40th Birthday, R was diagnosed with stage 4 Colon Cancer. The family gathered together in the hospital on the same floor I speak of now. We huddled together, not knowing what to do except be there for A and R. R was not a big fan of this, he did not like being the center of everyone's attention and he did not like asking for help. R went through a colostomy and began intricate chemo treatments immediately after his diagnosis.
Upon discharge, he had his extended family over to his house for a party and told everyone that he would fight this disease; he told us that he has no other choice than to increase his chances to watch his son grow up.
The lives they built together became filled with sickened, weekly trips to the clinic, and endless amounts of pain. The once child-like personality of R, who would be shoving children out of the way to play kickball, was slowly deteriorating. But no matter how horrible R felt, no matter how much pain he was in, he made sure to spend time with his son.
Then came springtime. The pain continued to increase until it was unbearable for R to take. He was admitted to the hospital. R was pretty sedated with medications at this point which was definitely needed due to the amount of pain he was in. I went to visit him and noticed a very different person from what I had known growing up. While I sat next to A and looked at my once lively uncle, I tried to keep my mind busy and stay strong for the people around me, however difficult it may be. Then Aaron, their RN, stepped into the room to check in on R.
Aaron came in and asked if R was sleeping, which he was, and stated to let him know when he wakes up so he can draw some labs. This was the first time I knew Aaron was very different. Instead of waking a sleep-deprived, in pain, cancer patient, he waited until R was ready for him. Upon leaving the room, R woke up maybe 10-20 minutes later and A contacted Aaron. Aaron came in promptly and drew R's labs from his port, being careful to not cause any further pain in the process.
After drawing the labs, Aaron hung out and chatted about different topics including scrubs, golf, etc., distracting most of the room from the worry and fear that was all-consuming at that moment. I was not at the hospital much so I made sure to ask A what she thought of Aaron and all she could say was he is awesome. We did not realize how awesome until the time of discharge.
R was discharged home with hospice and the real grieving process started for R's family and friends. R and A's home was full of food and people R has touched throughout his life. Easter came and I mentioned Aaron's name to A and how great we both thought he was. A proceeded to tell me that, just prior to discharge, Aaron slipped a piece of paper with his name and cell phone number on it to R and let him know if they needed anything to give him a call. This act left my mouth open and my heart full. I could not believe a nurse who cared for his person for maybe a couple of days would reach out in this way. As nurses, you are told to care for your patients, however, you are also warned about the amount of distance you want to keep between you and your patients. This can hinder a nurse from giving their all, so to see this man offer a piece of himself to R and A was very touching.
R passed away a week later, surrounded by his family and friends and reaching out for his soulmate as he drew his last breath. R was always there for anyone who needed him. He was also the kind of person who gave compliments and praise to the people who deserve it. This is why I decided to write this letter. Although R would certainly hate a letter being written about him, he would want Aaron acknowledged for the care he gave to him and more importantly, A.
After R passed, A texted Aaron to let him know the news. Aaron sent his condolences, but he also told A he would attend R's memorial in the summer. As the family goes through the different stages of grief, I know Aaron would be there for them in any way he could.
I hope R and Aaron's story is shared with all clinical staff because this is truly an example of caring for the patient's mind, body, and spirit. This is what medical staff are taught the moment they hit their first class. This is a quality that not all nurses have and sometimes strive for their whole careers to achieve it. Nurses like Aaron come around once in a lifetime.
Thank you for your time and thank you, Aaron.