It is never easy seeing someone you care about go through a life-changing surgery and the painful recovery after. Watching my very strong and very active grandfather in such a position was incredibly difficult. Nighttime was the hardest - most of them were sleepless. Each night Jimmy cared for my grandfather, he made sure to put him at ease. Oh, the compassion and tenderness Jimmy showed him - he struggled with a painful cough, lots of pain, itching, and, well, he can be quite cantankerous. Not once was Jimmy fazed. Jimmy checked on him constantly - many times while my grandfather was sleeping and he never knew it. Jimmy also showed incredible care towards those of us who stayed with him each night, making sure we were taken care of as well. Never have I seen a nurse care for anyone like I witnessed Jimmy care for my Pop-Pop. Thank you Jimmy!
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My father, who is 84, was in for a heart valve replacement. He can be charming, but is also quite impatient and demanding. I spent several nights with my Dad, my niece the other nights, and we saw Jimmy give my Dad tender care like we never expected. He was proactive when it came to the nights when Dad's pain was worst, coming in more often, checking on both Dad and us to be sure all was OK. He spoke to Dad with both respect and grace; with the firmness my Dad needs to really listen. More than anything, Jimmy's tenderness toward my impatient Dad meant the world to me.
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After surgery, my pain levels were very high on a number of fronts; my back, the ports in my hands, and then a choking cough. No matter what is was, Jimmy would come in before I even called him to check on me. He tried every possible means to relieve my pain - and all with tenderness and compassion.