Nine months later, I still find myself thanking God for Jeffrey Lehman, my 100-year-old father’s past nurse. Dad has been out of home, but the remarkable, enduring care he received from Jeffrey still draws me to my knees. And though dad is no longer in his care, he still checks in, from time to time, to hear how dad is doing.

Initially, trying to get Dad set up here in Spokane at the VA, with the new software nightmare situation, was exceedingly frustrating, and absolutely overwhelming to me. Papa had life-threatening emergencies and multiple scenarios that, for me, were both frightening and confusing. From day one Jeffrey was there, committed to walking me through the alarming situations and murky system, unending medication questions, and sometimes my surly exasperation with the system. The patience that Jeffrey demonstrated was astounding.

Jeffrey helped me advocate for my father when I didn’t know how! And the excellence in care and personal interest that he took in dad made me believe that my papa was not just a floating number in the vast VA hospital universe, but a treasured individual and World War II Naval Pilot worthy of deep respect and thorough, competent care. Over and over Jeffrey was the steady face and voice of calm and encouragement to us. When we had a small (due to COVID) celebration for Papa’s 100th birthday, we both wanted Jeffrey to come. Though Jeffrey had prior commitments, he made a special trip later, gift in hand.

Jeffrey spent over an hour of time with Papa listening to dad’s stories and being keenly present. I will never forget a comment Jeffrey made to dad during that visit. Dad had been through so much and felt his life was irrelevant with not much significance any more and remarked, “What I do or say doesn’t amount to much anymore.”

Jeffrey quickly took dad’s hand and gently set him straight, saying “Sir, I hope you hear and believe this. Your and your life’s experiences continue to teach and inspire anyone who encounters the amazing man you are. And I sir, consider it a deep privilege to know you.” I remember papa leaning back in his chair as if to let those life-extending words settle in and I wept. So! In closing, it is a deep blessing to have had Jeffrey Lehman tend to my father for those many months. Jeffrey’s dedication, competence, and kindness are the soil integrity springs from. I honestly believe that Jeffrey’s remarkable nursing skills and caring ways have contributed significantly to dad heading into his 101st-year of life.