My pacemaker was creating a hole in my chest at 3 a.m. at home, shooting infectious disease particles on the bed. I immediately got out of bed. Upon arriving at Freeman I was moved to the heart institute to follow-up on the infectious disease leak. It was determined I needed surgery. They had to remove the device along with the wires that went to my heart. Upon the successful removal, I was moved to the ICU. During the night, I experienced a tremendous amount of bleeding, which came out of three or four locations. Mason and a handful of nurses jumped in immediately to save me from bleeding to death. Through his direction, they all worked tirelessly to save me. I do not know of the time it took to get the blood stopped, although it seemed like forever. I was told I was given a blood transfusion as all the clotting factors had left my blood. Through all of this, Mason stayed right there with a positive outlook throughout the night. His professionalism, compassion, responsibility, teamwork, and communication skills were above reproach. He, along with those other nurses, did a wonderful job and needed to be commended for their untiring efforts.

Megan, the day shift nurse, took over the next morning, and she was terrific. Throughout the stay, she constantly kept me and my family informed of my progress and status. She went out of her way to help my daughter, who was still in Lamar, caring for my wife, who had her own issues. Megan is a true professional who emulates all the special nursing characteristics, as does Mason!

I would like to thank them, along with all the caring and wonderful nurses assigned to the ICU! Thank you! I am so sorry this has taken me so long to accomplish, but between all the follow-up appointments, at-home visits, and my wife of 53 dying, my daughter and I have been awfully busy.