Our nurse Dan made the difference in our core experience by many unexpected ways. My family is a unique blend of different levels and "ways-of-understanding" learners. Dan was able to convey to each of us the information we needed to know in a manner that was comprehended by us all. His ability to adjust his delivery of information to us was fluid and natural, all while tending to my father. While in constant motion tending to Dad, he looked me in the eyes and said, "Tell me about your sons." That was the tipping point for me in his favor. My mother, however, connected to him within the first 5 minutes of meeting him. She whispered to me, "He is my favorite."
Even after his shift with Dad was over, I kept bumping into him on different floors, and he hugged each time. He goes above and beyond. He is a gift to Spectrum Health. He is a gift to my dad, and a gift to us, his family. He will not remember us because this is what he does. This is who he is, no matter who the patient. But we will remember him.