Michael Kirk
March 2026
Michael
Kirk
,
BSN, RN
CCU/Stepdown
Baptist Health Deaconess Madisonville
Madisonville
,
KY
United States
He did everything he could to arrange the room and equipment so my grandparents could have one final kiss.
My grandfather was admitted to the hospital with a possible stroke. During his stay, he experienced periods of altered mental status, so our family stayed with him around the clock, and he was transferred to the CCU. The care he received there was excellent. Michael began caring for my grandfather at 7 AM that morning. He was incredibly kind and attentive, always checking to make sure we didn’t need anything. I eventually went home to rest, but soon received a call telling me I should come back to the hospital. That morning, the family made the decision to place my grandfather on comfort care. That afternoon, my grandfather asked to see his wife of 70 years. We are a large family, and Michael graciously allowed multiple family members to be in the room so we could all be together. When I returned with my grandmother, who is paralyzed from the waist down, we were able to share a beautiful visit. Michael continued checking on us, ensuring we were comfortable, while also giving us precious uninterrupted time. When it was time to take my grandmother back to the nursing home, she expressed that she wanted to stand and give her husband one last kiss. Michael immediately told us not to rush the transfer and encouraged us to take all the time we needed. He asked how he could help make her request possible, and he did everything he could to arrange the room and equipment so my grandparents could have one final kiss. It is a moment our family will never forget. My grandfather was later moved back to the 3rd floor, where he passed the next afternoon peacefully. Michael will never truly know how grateful I am for his patience, kindness, and willingness to go above and beyond to create a memory that will stay with me forever. As a nurse myself, I know how easy it is to get caught up in tasks and the fast pace of the day. Michael’s compassion and the extra time he gave our family did not go unnoticed. I believe he has a genuine servant’s heart. For all he did for my grandfather, my grandmother, and our family—thank you, Michael.