My father-in-law was a patient in the MICU in December and passed away from COVID-19. From the very beginning, every single person has taken the time to listen and answer our questions and comfort us when we couldn't be there with him. Being a nurse myself and having previously worked at Christiana for many years, I know it can be very difficult to take time out of your day to talk on the phone with family members. Marissa was one of his favorite nurses and made him smile and laugh during his darkest days and did everything she possibly could to make him comfortable and provide peace for him and our family. We sent in a small Christmas tree and some cards that his grandchildren and his friends made to brighten up his room. Marissa went even further and hung Christmas lights, gave him a Christmas card and a Christmas blanket. He was known as "the Christmas light guy" on the unit. Marissa worked with him for many nights and always made time to take our calls, listen to our concerns and give us updates without rushing us. She even called us one night and asked if we could arrange to bring his dog in to visit because he was so depressed. My father-in-law had been in the hospital for 2 weeks and his visit with his dog was the best day. The nurses even brought an extra bed in his room so that his dog could lay with him. When Marissa knew that she was going to have vacation time off, she asked that her close friend be his nurse because she knew how special he was and that she would get along well with him. Marissa even reached out to me the week after he passed and asked if Marissa and the other nurse could come to the funeral. I have tears in my eyes as I type this because having them both at the funeral was so special and helped to fill a hole in our hearts to know that such a wonderful person was taking care of him when we couldn't be there. We will NEVER forget Marissa and her beautiful soul.