Tanner was my family's saving grace during my dad's stay. He is easily the most compassionate medical professional I have ever worked with. Even though my dad's brain was likely gone from the moment he arrived, Tanner always treated him like he would any other patient. He would talk to him kindly and even apologize to him if he had to do a procedure that was remotely uncomfortable. Not only did Tanner give my dad the respect he deserved in his final days, but he provided sanity to us as immediate family.

When we experienced the family drama issues, Tanner fearlessly stood up for us in the most professional way possible. He always went the extra mile to make sure we were comfortable. From grabbing extra chairs to filling up cups of water with ice and straws, he catered to our every need. In my darkest moments, when all I wanted to do was sob, Tanner would come in and light up the room. He made me laugh and lifted my heart in all the right ways.

When it came time for me to do the unthinkable, to remove my dad from the ventilator and watch him pass, Tanner provided the most compassionate level of care I've ever witnessed. It was so sad to watch my dad slowly lose his life, but when Tanner came into the room every few minutes to check his pulse, his energy as a person made me feel like I would be okay. Once my Dad passed, Tanner gave me a hug and told me that I was so brave for my dad. I needed to hear that. I jokingly told him that if I am ever in the hospital, I want him to be my nurse. Looking back on it, it's not a joke. If I ever have to go through this again, I would fight to have Tanner take care of me or my family members.