We brought our 85-year-old father to the Emergency Department on a Thursday morning at 1am. Through a process of tests, test results, and consultations with doctors, we make the difficult decision to admit him into the hospital under "comfort care." Each of us knew what this meant, and we each had our own experiences with cancer, aging, decline of health, and death from past relatives to lean on or work through. We all had to understand that each person's transition from the life to the next is as individualized as the individual.

This particular nurse stepped into our world on Friday and this nurse not only became our father's nurse but was much more to our family. She became a complete resource, meeting all of our needs. She gave us guidance when asked, comfort when needed, and honesty when required. Our family was struggling with the good days of our father versus the ominous diagnosis from the doctor. Some questioned, how could our father be this good and still be so near the end of his life? This nurse was able to explain his transition and signs that we could see or look for.

Our father became her top priority and she worked diligently to keep his care and comfort above any level that we could hope or expect. Our father would smile when she came into the room. We could relax a little more and begin to process everything going on because she was able to help bear the load of care. We reference her to our family and friends as our Angel because of the impression that she made on our family. Even at the end, after our father had passed away, she came into our room, checked on each of us, and continued to just be with us until we left. She far exceeded her job and title as Nurse and our family will forever remember her.