Alyssa nurtured my husband during his final week of life. She was never impatient with us, despite how often we called for help. She always made us feel like he was her only patient. She brought something new to the bedside, a new insight, new expertise.
One thing that truly endeared me to Alyssa is that she stood at the end of his bedside, lingering, unrushed to truly look at him as if he were her dad, not only monitoring small physical changes, but also emotional ones. She'd ask us, and both of my boys how we are doing. She allowed me to cry. She asked if there was anything she could do for us, made us comfortable as well.
We had no idea we would not be taking him home with us. I've worked in a hospital environment for 38 years and know what it takes to provide the quality of care we received from Alyssa. It often can't be taught, but it can be nourished and fed. I hope to think that is the case here. That these nurses are nourished for this amazing care.