My Mother arrived in the Heart Hospital CVICU on Sunday. I was out of town on business when I was informed of this by my wife. When I arrived on Monday I found my mother being attended to by Kelsey Ridder. It was immediately apparent to me that my mother's condition was not good. Kelsey explained to me what my mother's status was and paged the attending physician to speak with me.

I was constantly impressed by Kelsey's knowledge and training as she spent an enormous amount of time in care of my mother. When she wasn't present in the room, she was always available to us. I felt as if we had a private nurse even though I know she had other patients.

Although technically knowledgeable, Kelsey demonstrated a quality that made her an outstanding representative of the Mercy Health system. Her compassion and empathy were truly unbelievable. Many times I saw her holding my Mom's hand when she was anxious, stroking my Mom's forehead when she was nervous. I watched Kelsey explain tests and procedures to my Mom, over and over, when she did not understand. Many times I watched Kelsey's interactions with my Mom and felt as if Kelsey was her daughter or grand-daughter instead of her nurse.

For all of these reasons I believe Kelsey deserves the DAISY Award, but none more than the last hours of my mother's life. I had to make the hardest decision I have every made in my 60 years of life. Having previously discussed potential outcomes with my Mom, I had to decide if her ventilator should be removed and she would die. I was shaking uncontrollably as I looked around the room. I went to my mother and she nodded her affirmation that her time had come. Kelsey came over to her and said to my Mom, "You're an angel", and my Mom looked at her, pointed to Kelsey and mouthed, "No, your're the angel".

During the next hour, Kelsey continued to ensure my Mom was kept comfortable. She administered medications that comforted my mother. I struggled not to cry but was not very successful. I remember at one point looking back over my shoulder at Kelsey and I could see tears rolling down her cheek.

Kelsey Ridder is a fantastic nurse, a terrific asset to Mercy, a truly loving and caring woman and, as my Mom said before she passed, an angel on earth!