I would like to thank my nurse, April Dicks, RN from the Emergency Department.
 
My father and I had the great fortune of having April Dicks, RN as his ER nurse on two different occasions this spring.  My father was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer and required two visits to the ER for supportive care.  Deciding to go to the ER is never pleasant,  knowing you will spend hours waiting in a windowless room for evaluation and treatment, but I must say, April made a difficult day so much better.  
 
April made such a good impression on our first visit with her professionalism, skill, and authentic, personable personality. When we returned a month later, April immediately recognized my dad and, of course, we remembered her.  I recall she thought she recognized his name and figured she would jump in and start his care since her shift was just beginning.  But what she really recognized was his face.  She remembered him.  I could tell it meant so much to my dad.  And who knew there could be "continuity of care" in an ER of all places!  She made us both feel known and familiar.  
 
I will never forget how my dad liked a "warmed" blanket.  On our second visit, April could tell he was chilled when we removed his shirt and told him she would be bringing him a warm blanket.  Well, she brought him 3 or 4, even wrapping one over the top of his head so he almost looked like a shepherd....he absolutely LOVED it.  He commented on how very, very good he felt as he drifted off to sleep. I took a picture of him wrapped from head to toe in those warm blankets.  It's now my favorite photo of him.  My dad passed 6 days after that visit to the ER.  I won't soon forget the kindness, compassion, and perfect nursing care April gave my dad.  She was a very bright spot during a very difficult and sad time.
 
Thank you, Augusta Health, for having exceptional nurses like April taking care of us.