I was a frequent flyer in PVH’s ER for my severe alcohol use. I know that this pandemic has decimated healthcare workers in so many ways. More than can be expressed in a tiny card for you to maybe read as you are bombarded on God knows what hour of God knows which shift of the week. I wanted to reach out and let you know that you are so greatly appreciated. Please know that in the deepest part of my addiction and quite frankly most demoralizing part of my life, the entire team at Poudre Valley Hospital was a huge part in me being sober today. The compassion, patience, respect, and sometimes tough love with which I was treated (despite my blatant disregard for my own health) are memories that stuck with me long after the alcohol metabolized. You all made a difference, and I know you continue to do so for others every single shift that you work.

In a thankless pandemic, I hope it helps a tiny amount knowing there are people out there who value the care that you continually provide others. I also hope that knowing that even the incoherent, repeat patients such as myself remember you, reminds you that you are, in fact incomprehensibly badass, and it does not get forgotten! Ativan and fluids got me to discharge, but the human side of you all got me to sobriety. The most heartfelt thanks I can give beyond simple words in a card is continuing to keep my own drunk self out of your ER, and by also continuing to support others in our community who may find themselves seeing your scrubs all too often, as well. Good luck to every one of you, and thank you again, one million times over, for everything that you do!