My family began 2019 with my aunt in the ICU, battling a relentless infection. Each day was a blur of tests, tears and tiny glimmers of hope that kept us going. However, it became apparent that my aunt was tired and we knew it was time to let go. On the day we placed my aunt on comfort care her nurse was Michelle. She was warm and patient. She spoke to all of my family members with confidence and compassion. She also didn't mind when I sat at her desk all day-my family surely appreciated having all of the monitors off, but I took comfort in watching her telementry that whole last day until I had to go. When I left she gave me a hug I desperately needed and I knew that my aunt would have adored her. Michelle treated my aunt like she was her aunt too. 

Today my mom brought me something she had forgotten about- a tele strip from my aunt, rolled and placed in a tiny glass bottle. she told me Michelle had given it to her to give to me. I cannot emphasize enough how thoughtful and kind this gift is. Michelle is an exemplary nurse and human. She was a tiny light on my family's darkest day and I will always remember the impact she made.