I Will Forever Be Grateful To A Nurse Named Heather

It has been an extremely difficult week.

First the passing of my father on Sunday, January 10th, 2021 was emotionally challenging for me. The fact that his health was declining was a fact I was accepting. The longer that he was at the skilled nursing facility it became more overwhelming for him to deal with living his life there. A life full of discomfort and pain caused by an injury from the hospital staff. Unfortunately he was not strong enough to be at home and required a lot of care. More than we could give him or even what Hospice could offer. Then the facilities Covid cases started increasing throughout the staff and patients. I received a weekly update on Covid cases and a few minutes later received a call from the facility stating that Dad tested positive for Covid.

My heart dropped! At this time I knew it would be difficult to reach him on the phone as they only allowed his personal cell phone to talk with him. The more overwhelmed he became the more difficult it was for him to use his cell phone. We would call numerous times a day and if you could get a message to the Covid Unit the nurse would dial your phone number and hand Dad the cell phone. He wasn't able to hold on very well and usually ended up hanging up after a few short minutes by accident. This became more frustrating to him and added to his stress level and depression. In this moment I knew I could never say I love you again or be with him or comfort him or hold his hands when he passed away.

Dad spent his last week in the ICU at the hospital. As his oxygen levels continued to decline I talked with his nurse named Matt who would call Bob with updates on his condition. I asked Matt to give my Dad a special message from me. He gladly granted my wish and I thanked him. He called me back a few minutes later and asked if I wanted to speak with the Chaplain at the hospital especially under these unique circumstances. I told him I appreciated his time and call and thanked him again for his kindness and compassion.

After what I thought was grieving, the loss of appetite and then nausea due to not eating and then the drop of my blood sugars from not eating I went to the ER! To my surprise I was diagnosed with COVID!

I was in shock and scarred for Greg and family that I was with earlier in the week. Once Greg dropped me off he waited in the car since the hospital was in lockdown. I texted him and he started making all the difficult calls to all the family I was in contact with this past week. I always wear my mask and social distance at all times. Most of the family have made arrangements for a Covid tests and are waiting for their results. After lots of apple juice to avoid having a seizure and several attempts to start an IV I was eventually transferred to the ICU.

I was very fortunate that the Covid inflammation to my lungs was considered a small case so far. After two days I was released from the ICU. When another nurse came with the wheelchair to help with my discharge she commented that no one is ever released from ICU. All patients are transferred to other Units to continue their recovery. She laughed as she had to ask where she needed to take me to meet Greg.

In the elevator she asked what happened that brought me to the ER. I told her of my experience this past week. As we were heading downstairs she asked Dad's name. I told her and she stopped and came around the wheelchair and put her hand on my arm and said "I was one of the nurses treating your father. I stayed with him several times and held his hand".

If she held his hand as compassionately as my arm I knew she was the Angel I prayed for Dad. It was such an honor to have meet her and thank her for her kindness and generosity. I then thanked God for her to be the one with Dad in the end.

I will forever be grateful to a nurse named Heather!