This is the award-winning letter sent to The SICU Department:
Angela Castro, Cynthia Shannon, Lisa Woodward, Lynn Brown, Jamie Lumadue, Michael Stanton, Patricia Banasiak, Shelbie Rogers, Kim Culp, MaryBeth Leet, and Julia Pollard:
November 10, 2005 - When we received the late night phone call from may daughter-in-law, it was one every parent fears the most. My husband answered the phone, "We had to call an ambulance for Jill, they are taking her to Genesys Regional Medical Center in Grand Blanc; I think it's at I-75 and Holly Road. Jason thinks he felt a pulse," he repeated to me as we got dressed. Jill was living with my son Jason and his wife Dawn in Oxford. We live in Washington, Michigan and didn't know exactly where Grand Blanc was. My head raced with a million questions, none of which my husband could answer. As we raced down back roads, not only did we realize we didn't know where Holly Road and I-75 was, we knew there was no easy way to get there from our home. The question that kept popping in my head the most was, "Why in God's name did they take her to a hospital I couldn't get to fast, and one I had never heard of in my entire life?" Of course, my daughter's condition was clearly my concern, but having the best medical personnel attending to her medical needs and being able to perform whatever measures may be necessary to make her better was also right there on top. I was sure we were going to find a backwoods country medical center. As we pulled up the long driveways, I saw a million lights inside a huge facility. I immediately felt better.
Most of the emergency room is a blur, I am sorry to say. I believe they did everything they could do to save my daughter's life, I just can't remember faces or names.
And here my story begins, on the third floor SICU for the next 5 days. It became my home. I am so sorry I cannot remember the nurse who was on duty that evening and took care of Jill. All through the night she performed procedures, asked questions, and never stopped trying to help. i might not remember her name, but I was in awe of a person being able to perform as many tasks as she did. I didn't see her again. The next 3-days and nights I do remember their names. Cindy was Jill's daytime nurse and Lisa was her evening nurse. Shelbie was an angel and helped I believe either 2 or 3 nights. On the fifth day, again I cannot remember the nurse's name, but she too was as wonderful and caring as one could possible be. Your facility is blessed to have all of these nurses and I hope I am able to convey my overwhelming gratitude to them and to your hospital.
Jill was cared for in the most dignified ways, with special warmth and kindness. She was in a coma, I believe, even before she arrived at your hospital. She did not respond to anything or anyone. She was on a ventilator and could not breath on her own without it. On the 2nd day I asked the doctor if my daughter was going to die. He said we needed to see some signs of improvement in the next 72-hours or a miracle.
As we waited for a miracle, I discovered how fortunate we were to be truly blessed with these nurses, who were the most compassionate, professional, and skilled nurses that I have ever come in contact with. As they cared for Jill, they told her exactly what they were doing; constantly changing her bed position, cleaning her mouth, washing her hair and body, responding immediately to her monitor alerts, and meeting all of her needs and more. On more than on occasion, they noticed a change to her condition and immediately called the doctors. They were completely dedicated to her care.
In addition to Jill's care, they care for my emotional and spiritual needs as well. They answered all our questions with patience and understanding, even when I found myself asking the same questions. I'm sure you can imagine the emotional rollercoaster of a mother losing her only daughter. I will never forget what they did for my family. Jill came from a large and loving family with many aunts, uncles, and cousins. They all came to the hospital and I heard many of them tell others at the funeral home of the "unbelievable nurses" that took care of Jill.
I also believe they helped to prepare me for what was to come. When I realized the miracle I was praying for was not to be, they continued to care for her and it is because of these nurses and the "Gift of Life" that a miracle for 6 other people was what would bed.
Sister Mary was sent directly from God to me one late afternoon. I was having a particularly bad moment and I had questions that I didn't and wouldn't have asked anyone. And there she was. Sister Mary, with answers to my questions that I had not asked. What a truly wonderful and kind person.
I hope I have been able to convey all my memories and thoughts. Words are not easy these days and I refuse to let one more day pass without writing this letter.
I believed my daughter Jill was an angel, always giving of herself and helping anyone who needed it. She was the kindest and most loving daughter a mother could ask for. Her demons were always pointed at herself. I just wish Jill could thank you herself.
It is with overwhelming gratitude my family and I send this "Thank you." |