My dad has an aggressive chronic condition with challenging, aggressive behaviors. My dad lived his life fiercely independent, and he was a very active man before this disease. My dad does not do well in confined spaces, so he’s in fight-or-flight mode most days. This disease is very hard for him and our family to accept, and there is no good outcome for my dad. I am watching him deteriorate every day.

Daniel is an amazing nurse to my dad. He worked hard to learn all my dad’s triggers, and he’s sharing these best practices with others on the nursing team. He approaches my dad kindly and confidently, offers quiet reassurance, moves thoughtfully in my dad’s space, and does his best to soothe him when he’s frustrated. Daniel can change my dad’s brief in three minutes which makes the entire experience less uncomfortable and traumatic for my dad. As we move to a palliative care approach, he does his best to minimize disruptions in my dad’s day and reduce noise in his environment. He gives my dad options when possible and honors his preferences. He chooses his words wisely, teases my dad when he’s spunky, and sees the man behind the disease. I am so grateful that someone sees the man behind the disease because my dad is a magnificent person.

When Daniel is not tending to patients, he checks in to ensure I have a coffee or take a little snack break. He gives me updates on my dad’s nighttime activities and helps me understand his medication protocol. I am thankful for this partnership.

Daniel brings my dad comfort in a time of crisis, and I’m grateful for his kindness, compassion, and empathy. As my heart breaks while making difficult life-ending decisions, Daniel has made this experience a little less hard for my dad and me. I wish there were 1000 nurses like Daniel, to follow my dad in his last days.