My father-in-law was admitted to the ICU on Christmas Day. I traveled across the state with the understanding I may be saying my goodbyes. It was a scary time. When I arrived in his room for the first time, there were four other family members present and he was sleeping. It was during this overwhelming situation with a room full of people that I had the pleasure of my first encounter with Kitty Still, the nurse assigned to him for those first few days. She was in the room, gracefully maneuvering around family members to do all she needed to do. She let us all remain with him and even apologized as she moved around us despite all of us being in the way.

When I came back to visit the next day, my father-in-law was improving a bit. Kitty updated every new visitor who came in the room, answering every question kindly and thoroughly, ensuring everyone had the most up-to-date information and status. She connected with us, sharing her own stories.

What struck me the most was how she always spoke directly to my father-in-law like no one else was in the room. She made it clear he was her priority, and she was so encouraging. When they finished a conversation, she'd address those of us in the room. It meant so much to know he had her full attention.

She even shaved his beard during his "bath" that first week in the ICU, which warmed my heart.

During such a difficult time, we couldn't have asked for a more caring and capable nurse. Thank you, Kitty.