Shar cared for my dad in the MICU on the night shift the day before he passed. It became apparent that he was not going to survive much longer and this was difficult for my mom and me to comprehend. In dealing with the realization that he was no longer going to get better, we were also dealing with his impending passing.
As an ICU nurse, I am sure her training was to do everything within her capability to stabilize and heal patients, but she now faced the unimaginable task of helping her patient through the transition to pass peacefully and without suffering. In addition to caring for her patient, she added the responsibility of caring for the family as well during this time. I have never in my life met a more compassionate person. I say this truthfully - words cannot express how awesome she is, both as a person and as a nurse. This is something that cannot be taught in nursing school or learned on the job. This is who Shar is as a person.
I am sure there are many nurses that must help patients and patients' families deal with death, but I know in my heart no one can exceed Shar in her caring ways. I cannot think of words to adequately describe the love and compassion that Shar gave to my dad and her tender kindness in caring for him. This isn't just her job, it is who Shar is. A compassionate angel helping a person in their greatest time of need.
When Shar's shift was done, we thanked her for her kindness, and she said she was blessed to care for my dad. This amazing nurse was blessed to care for my dad? We were blessed to have her at our time of greatest need. She cared for my dad with dignity and grace and that is truly extraordinary.
Shar, you will always hold a place in mine and my mom's hearts for caring for my dad.