Melissa was the head home health care nurse who cared for my sister until she died. I spent many days during the summer and fall caring for my sister so I grew to know and LOVE all the home health providers who took exceptional care of my sister.
Melissa exhibited this take-charge, positive, loving personality that quickly endeared her to everyone. My sister and her family were very leery of conventional health care so Melissa had to "prove" everything herself.
Immediately, Melissa made it known that my sister was her first priority and she would do everything possible for her, including learning and respecting the alternative care protocol that she was using. With her warm, loving way she quickly won my sister's love and respect as she did with all of the family. My sister's husband related to Melissa as she talked about her love of hunting, trucks, and the outdoors. She earned his respect and trust very quickly, which allowed her to speak with truth and tenderness about the reality of my sister's impending death.
My sister's family was not ready to accept that she wouldn't be healed and nothing but positive, healing thoughts was allowed to be spoken. Melissa honored that request until ethically she had to educate the family. I won't forget the day she took us into another room and so tenderly and honestly told her husband that my sister was dying. She gave us a little booklet that explained the dying process, telling us that she had a duty to be honest with us. Her husband would not have accepted that information from anyone else. What a testament to Melissa's superior bedside manner that she could do this! And she did so beautifully and firmly with such respect and love. These character traits cannot be learned; they truly come from the heart. What a blessing this woman was to all of us as she guided us through the loss of our loved one!
I could relate more than one instance when Melissa cut through "red tape" and got supplies, especially the hospital bed when we needed it. She was our leader and she led us on one of the most difficult paths one can go in this life. Our family will never forget her - the help she gave us was priceless. For exhibiting professionalism way beyond the "norm," Melissa is a most worthy recipient of the DAISY Award!