A note from his patient:

I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for all you did for my mother, my father, and myself. It is trite, but there honestly are not words to express my gratitude. The professionalism and compassion you displayed to my family was amazing. You made something that was unbearable somehow ok, as well as giving me a new perspective in my own career.

I'd also like to thank you once more for helping my father come to terms with the reality of Mom's illness; for helping my mother tell him what she wanted herself. Because of you, her last wish was carried out. I was not strong enough to force the issue; without you that horror would have been drawn out, and my knowledge of her wishes and my inability to carry them out would have made it more horrific.

Mostly, i wanted to thank you for treating Mom like a human being rather than a name on a chart or an abstract idea. Something so many people take as a given, but something I know many nurses fail to do. Thank you for all you did for me personally as well. I was worrisome, not to mention my sleep deprived babble.

When I think of Mom's last 24 hours, I will always think of how lucky we were that fate or God or luck put us in your ICU. You have an awesome gift. These words are simply not enough, but they are all I have: THANK YOU!