My 81-year-old mother has been suffering from depression/anxiety since losing my father (her spouse of 59 years). This has caused several trips to the emergency room. Tony was instrumental in making sure that my mother was reassured and comfortable with the idea of grief counseling. We all knew it was something that she needed, but sometimes hearing it from someone other than a family member is necessary.

Tony sat by her bedside and discussed that there was no shame in speaking to someone and that it was time for her to take care of herself and help herself because that is what her husband would have wanted for her. The other staff was also very compassionate and considerate of the situation. Because of this, she has taken the necessary steps to follow up with her primary care doctor and get established with a grief group. No one made her feel embarrassed or was frustrated with her for taking up a spot in the ER for something that really should have been dealt with elsewhere.

Tony personally escorted her out to the lobby, encouraging her all the way. The team at the RFGH ER deserves a pat on the back for the compassion they show towards their patients. There are so many unkind people in today's society. It is a breath of fresh air to be treated the way we were this week by Tony.