Dear Critical Care Bob,

One of our mother's last wishes was that I write you a thank you letter. She was beginning to have trouble with word-finding by then, but she smiled as she clearly said, I like him, he is very good. I want you to write a letter to the hospital telling them how good he is and I want you to write a thank you note to him.'

My sisters and I knew why she felt that way. We were all grateful for the way you cared for mom. You felt like family and we really appreciated your light-hearted humor and gentle attention that put mom so at ease when she otherwise felt humiliated by her relative helplessness. I treasure the memory of mom's smile as you danced with her during transfers. She literally saved the last dance for YOU! Lucky you, lucky us!

You touched our hearts Bob, in the most beautiful healing way. That tender touch will ever be with us. Thank you.