I hope it’s not too late to submit this nomination.  I picked up this form in May and have kept it until now.  Many times I thought about throwing it away, but I just couldn’t do it.  The reason I’ve held on to this is because I feel so strongly about nominating this unique individual.  However, it’s been too emotionally painful for me to recall the experience my husband and I went through.

My adult son was admitted to the ICU after arriving to the ER.  He was diagnosed with acute pancreatitis.  Unbeknownst to us, he was having alcohol withdrawals.  He spent nine days on the unit.  To say the least, this was a heartbreaking experience to witness as your child goes through this process.

All the nursing staff was wonderful, but one individual in particular stands out, hands down. He was assigned to my son for his last few days on the unit.  There was one incident when my son was alert but very restless and couldn’t have any more medications.  The nurse felt like my son was bored and needed a “job.” He left the room and returned with a ball of rolled-up tape that he made.  He handed it to my son and told him to use his time unwrapping it.  His other personal touch was with grooming.  My son hadn’t shaved in about nine days.  When we returned after stepping out for his morning care, he was sporting a goatee! This nurse’s interaction with us and our son is something I can’t forget.  He just added many, many extras, emotionally and physically, for our family.  I would like to nominate Andrew.  He was a godsend to my husband and me.