I would like to recognize Julie Miller for the extraordinary effort she went to inspire my patient to make better choices about his life. Julie took the time to see beyond this man's addiction and to connect with his humanity in an extraordinary way such that it inspired in him a hope he probably has not had for a very long time. By the time I came to see him, I hardly recognized him because of the dramatic change in perspective he exhibited. Of course, I tried to chime in something inspiring but Julie really had done the heavy lifting by sitting with him and getting to know him beyond his diagnosis, looking past his hurt to shine a light for him out of his darkness. He was really a different man by the time I got to see him. I would not have asked her to do that. She did it because she saw a hurting man and she simply would not leave him alone in that pain. I honestly believe she probably single-handedly saved this young man's life.
Please give her my heartfelt thanks for reminding me of what it means to be the hands and feet of Christ. I know he is very pleased today. So am I.