For most people, nothing on earth is more precious to us than our family. When a loved one is critically ill, the quality of medical care and treatment that person receives is of great concern to the entire family. If you cannot be with them because of a pandemic, that level of concern is multiplied ten-fold.

My husband, F, was admitted to SJCH, suffering from pneumonia and other COVID-19 virus symptoms. He was initially admitted to the ICU but later moved to the COVID wing, where he remained for two weeks until his death. While in the hospital, he was treated by a number of very skilled and especially kind and compassionate medical professionals. I cannot express how much our family appreciates these people! Not only did they give my husband excellent care, but they were also so considerate and patient with me.

Not being able to be there with him was heartbreaking for me and particularly disturbing to him, so even though I talked to him every day, we were both beyond distraught. All these nurses were incredibly busy taking care of patients, yet they were always willing to give me daily updates on his condition. They even volunteered to set up FaceTime sessions so we could have some semblance of visitation. I could not possibly list everyone who cared for him, but there were several who were particularly exceptional.

Despite what has to be an unbelievably stressful environment, they always displayed such patience and compassion. Later when we were able to visit my husband, Kurt treated our family with such kindness. In the last hours of my husband’s life, Kurt was with us, offering support and comfort. I would like to extend my most sincere gratitude to all of the staff in this unit and pray that God blesses each in a special way.