My husband was admitted to the unit in A-Fib, and I thought my world was possibly coming to an end. At the age of 50, he had a valve replacement, and at that time, I was told he more than likely would not recover, due to his many complications. Six years ago, he had a massive heart attack and was airlifted to your facility for an emergency bypass, and due to his past history of heart problems, his chances of survival were not the best. He now has COPD, and even longer medical history and we live 2.5 hours away and are in a city where we are unfamiliar. Trying to be stoic and not wanting to show how frightened I really was in front of my husband, I waited until I kissed him goodnight and drove the long drive home crying all the way, not knowing if I would see him alive again.
The next morning, after a sleepless night, I was up long before dawn, so thankful there were no phone calls during the night. When I phoned that morning, it was then that I first heard the name "Isaac". I have to admit I was just a bit apprehensive at the thought of a male nurse, as my husband really needed a gentle hand and a loving heart. He assured me that "he was a pretty good guy and seemed like he knew what he was doing". I'd still have to see for myself, I thought, as I drove down the mountain into the "big city".
As I walked into his room, he was having breakfast, something I'd completely forgotten to do. All of a sudden, from nowhere, in walked Isaac with a cup of coffee, handed it to me with a sweet smile that I soon became so accustomed to and said "Hi Jo, my name is Isaac, your husband's nurse. I thought you'd like a fresh cup of coffee". He assured me that he was in good hands, that he had the very best doctors and that he (Isaac) was going to give my husband the very best care possible. For the next four days, I would drive to the hospital, visit as long as I could, drive back home, take care of our dogs, and go to bed and repeat this routine until he was released. The only way this was possible was because I knew Isaac was there and there was absolutely no doubt that my husband was being given the "very best care possible".
Isaac has chosen the ideal profession possible. He is a caring, gentle soul and loves his work. We laughed together when laughter was appropriate and he took the time to explain exactly what was being done, he appeared when he was needed and disappeared when we needed to be alone. He is soft spoken yet there is strength when needed. He and he alone made a terrible experience part of life and without his care I don't know what I would have done. Having a nurse for a mother, who also loved her 60 year career, I know first-hand what a special gift it is and Isaac has that gift. He is one-of-a-kind and doesn't realize that he naturally goes that "extra mile" with a smile on his face.
I have a reputation of being a very strong person. But every now and again, I need someone to take my hand and say "everything will be alright". Isaac Hensleigh took my hand and I will be forever grateful.