My dad entered the CCU following stomach surgery in late Oct. He would develop pneumonia and struggle for several days before dying in November. The whole CCU was exceptional!! One young lady stood out to me as one of the main "caregiver" for my dad. Her name is Donja Randall.
Before dad got real sick, Donja and he really hit it off. It was amazing to see the connection between this young lady and my 89 yr old dad. Donja was a great nurse, showing a great skill level but it was her heart that caught my attention. It was obvious that she really "cared" for dad and she went way beyond the "second mile" to minister to him. She spent three night shifts with dad and insisted that I leave and get some rest. She told me that she would take care of him. I would never have left if I had not been so confident she would care for dad as if he were her own father. She was indeed an angel of mercy!!!
She held dad’s hand and encouraged him and went out of her way to comfort us both!! As she left the third morning following her shift, she came in the unit and held dad's hand and told him goodbye (she would not be back for several days) and leaned over and kissed his forehead. There were tears in my eyes and in hers. I'm not sure if this is "proper protocol" or not but I can assure you on that particular morning shortly before dad went to Heaven, it was most appropriate. Dad received a kiss from an angel here on earth. I will never forget!!
Saint Joseph Hospital is a better place because of Donja Randall. I will never forget her and know there can be no better nominee for this prestigious award. Thank God that HE allowed her to minister to us!! Thank you very much Donja.