My husband was fortunate enough to have Miranda Rose-Lasessig as his nurse after having surgery in Marshfield. Miranda was so pleasant to be around and my husband looked forward to seeing her even though he had a tube down his throat and tubing in his nose. My husband insisted on using the bathroom even though the commode was in the room, Miranda accommodated him so he could use the bathroom. We had bells going off continually so Miranda was always nearby to answer the bells and make him more comfortable.

In the meantime, he was not allowed to eat anything due to the surgery on his colon. We had a palliative meeting and they explained what was happening with my husband and what some of the hopeful results could be. I think it was a few more days and we learned the mending of the colon was not working and he needed a colonoscopy bag. I do not think my husband was aware of this and know he would not have been happy about it. At this time he was moved from VCR to the Palliative Unit on the 4th floor. Our nurse had made accommodations so family could quietly come into my husband’s room before he was moved.

Then it became knowledge that things were not well. They allowed our granddaughter to see her grandfather as she had to leave for home in Geneva. On her way home, she saw a beautiful rainbow that extended across Hwy 51 from one horizon to the other side which we all took as his sign to say “Goodbye Sweetheart” as it was about the same time as he passed away with his wife, 4 sons, and daughter-in-laws in his room.

Then leaving the 4th floor that night at about 7 p.m., Miranda spotted me and came over to offer her condolences. One more thing she didn’t have to do but was nice that she did. Our entire experience with Marshfield Medical Center, though very sad, was also handled very thoughtfully by the hospital staff.