David Bewick is indeed something special and clearly in a league of his own. The above and beyond care received from David began happening the first day David was caring for my cousin, M, in CSU. For example; Yesterday I received a call from David telling me he planned to once again take M outside for 10 minutes and M had requested that I come up to see him outside with David.
M has been in CSU for 3 months unable to move from the neck down or even talk because of his trach. Simply communicating with him is frustrating and heartbreaking. However, this does not deter David in any way. David has been able to communicate with M better than anyone else. His tireless efforts and willingness to do whatever it takes to understand his needs have proven to be invaluable. As you know, it takes a tremendous amount of work, planning and attention to detail for David to prepare a patient in M's condition to go outside for even 10 minutes of much needed fresh air. Clearly, this is something that David doesn't have to do but wants to and enjoys doing. I have to say, watching David work is truly something to behold. The professionalism, thoroughness and love for his job and his patients is something I have never seen before in any line of work.
Although the outlook and long-term prognosis is not good for M and his days are filled with misery, anxiety and uncertainty, David's presence, positive attitude and willingness to do everything humanly possible to make M's life bearable cannot be understated. Yesterday, as a show of appreciation M and I presented David with a gift card. Sadly, shortly thereafter David informed me that he was taking some much-needed PTO in the next few weeks and would be returning the first of June. We are hopeful that M will be moved to a long-term facility before David's return. With that being said, before leaving the hospital yesterday I said this to David-"David if I never see you again I can tell you this, my friend, I will never ever forget you and what you have done for my cousin for as long as I live. Thank you from the bottom of my heart". To this David said something that yet again proves why he is a true DAISY Nurse. He told us that no matter what happens he would see us again because he will be sure to find out where M gets accepted and that he will be visiting him on his own time.