My son was brought to Zeeland ED. He was very ill with complications from alcohol use. Though we know he had been drinking heavily for several years, we didn’t realize how bad it had gotten (even though we spoke often and saw him pretty regularly). I was out of state when he was admitted and wasn’t able to talk to a nurse, which is when I understood how sick he was. He was being transferred to Butterworth or Blodgett, he needed ICU care and Zeeland’s ICU was full. I talked to his nurse several times as I was driving home. She was knowledgeable, kind, professional and was able to update me regularly. She even called me, and I know how busy she was. Most importantly, the first time we talked she said, “what a wonderful young man he is.” He is a wonderful person, but for the nurse to be able to recognize that in a very ill and confused 31-year-old man taught me more than she will ever know. For her to put the stigma, and the disease aside and recognize my sweet son was in there, was such a gift. Very simple words and I will never forget them.

I am happy to say that he is almost 4 months sober and continues to get better every day. We are forever in debt to the fine caregivers who saved his life–and to his nurse, who recognized the person she was caring for was more than his diagnosis. Thank you.