My stepfather, P, was recently admitted requiring surgery for a subdural hematoma, which was terrifying enough on its own. My father died 15 years ago in a car accident, and my mother died only a couple months ago after a long battle with cancer. So, not only is P already an extremely rare gem of a human being, but he’s now my only living parent. Everyone in the Neuro ICU truly was wonderful and took great care of P, and for that, I will forever be grateful. That being said, I am especially grateful for Marie. Marie was P’s admitting nurse, and in the very early morning hours following our arrival, she patiently answered so many different questions my uncle and I threw at her (anyone who encountered us could attest to we had a lot). Short staffing is an apparent issue in many hospitals that presents an additional layer of challenges for those working. Despite this, Marie was the first person at Swedish to spend any time providing helpful information without being prompted or specifically asked. We hadn’t slept all night, and between our exhaustion and fear for P’s survival and recovery, Marie was a godsend. She was friendly, reassuring, and genuinely compassionate, which truly put us at ease. Regardless of statistical outcomes, any sort of cranial surgery is terrifying when it’s happening to your irreplaceable loved one.

The following day, as my uncle and I were getting ready to leave the hospital after visiting P, an active shooter/shelter in place announcement was made over the intercom. We did step out of P’s room in an attempt to hear the announcement better. Marie, seeing our coats on, calmly made sure that we weren’t leaving and assured us that the unit was very secure. She and the rest of the staff on shift worked both quickly and collectedly to secure the unit. Although my family and I did not react in panic at the announcement, but regardless, it’s nothing you want to ever hear (especially when you’re leaving a loved one with compromised health/mobility somewhere overnight). I cannot imagine that is in any way a commonplace occurrence, but the staff acted very quickly and appropriately to ensure the safety of everyone on campus. The shelter in place order was lifted quickly, and Marie made sure to inform and assure us of our safety, as well as offering to have someone walk us out. Although I know that in that situation, we were not in danger, I still really appreciate Marie’s concern for both our actual and perceived safety. I felt great comfort knowing that she was caring for P overnight when we couldn’t be there.

While my mother was sick, she had a number of various hospital stays elsewhere for pain management, surgery, and even a stroke. While I can say that she was very well cared for (my family certainly wouldn’t have allowed for anything less), I cannot recall anyone prior who had made as much of an impact on our family as Marie has. I will forever be appreciative that P was in her care. Marie, we could not ever thank you enough. While I absolutely hope that no one else I know ever ends up in the Neuro ICU, I do know they’ll be in absolutely great hands.