It is my honor and privilege to write to you on behalf of the family of JM and the First Baptist Church of WF. JM was brought to Herrin Emergency Room for confusion and altered mental status. Much to everyone's surprise, a large 11 mm tumor was found in JM's brain that was causing a midline shift. Needless to say, we were and are devastated by this discovery. However, during this tragic time for us all, we could not continue this journey without taking a moment to stop and recognize one specific caregiver whom we encountered, Dawn Wilson.
Dawn was vital to the experience not only JM received, but also we the family.
There are multiple moments that were so beautiful in the midst of this sad time for us, thanks to, Dawn.
First, Dawn treated everyone in our room with outstanding compassion, integrity, respect, and empathy. She was sure to deliver a message that we all would understand in order to make the best decisions possible. The way she delivered this information was the lovely part. As conversation swirled in the room, Dawn immersed herself into our family. She referred to my grandparents as I was, "Nanny and Papa" Our reverends as "Brother" M and "Brother" T. The ease in which this gave all of us made her feel like our advocate, our very knowledgeable and skilled friend, instead of a new acquaintance.
Second, she listened to our concerns, allowed for us to interrupt at will, and never made us feel to be a bother when multiple trips to the nurses' station called her back to JM's room. We never felt like she was balancing any other patients, which we know she was. We were her only priority, or so she made us feel.
Third, a significant issue arose while we were digesting the diagnosis MRI and CT had confirmed-No POA. JM is a mentally impaired adult. Who, for the most part, has always been able to make his own decisions. However, with this current state, we now found ourselves searching for how and who would take on this most difficult and tremendous responsibility. As we worked through the family dynamics of JM's blood relatives, it became very clear that this would be cumbersome at best. We started to become fearful of what would happen to JM while the surrogate information needed to be ironed out each time we presented to a facility for his care. Miraculously, JM woke up as JM! It didn't take Dawn 30 seconds to seize the opportunity with the doctor, to have the conversations with JM that we were all guessing at, at the very best. He was able to state his end of life wishes, who could make medical decisions for him, and give us the peace to know that he was ready to meet Jesus.
Lastly, we want to recognize Dawn for the tremendous care and respect she showed to our Faith. She was dealing with the entire pastoral staff of FBC WF. I don't know her own values and beliefs but she let ours shine in all the conversations and decisions made that day. It truly touched each of us to our very core that she allowed us to prayerfully make decisions. This consideration along with all the others will live on inside each of us. She empowered us, comforted us, and loved us through each horribly difficult moment. I can't imagine how different this road would have turned out to be without the diligent dedication to her patient and our family.
She is absolutely the epitome of what Florence Nightingale had in mind when the nursing profession was born. Our hearts will be forever thankful for the day we encountered Dawn.