Dennis
Struth
May 2012
Dennis
Struth
,
RN
Medical Surgical Oncology
Salem Health
Salem
,
OR
United States
Story from a patient’s son…
My father recently lost his battle with cancer. During his final two months he frequented 5NE as many do while fighting this disease. Every time I stopped by to visit my father he had nothing but wonderful things to say about his experience. He always felt very cared for and loved. One nurse in particular, Dennis Struth, made a wonderful lasting impression on my father which I am so grateful for. Dennis was only his nurse once but every time he was admitted Dennis made the effort to stop by and say hello. One special day, Dennis had finished his shift and was free to go home. This happened to be Good Friday. I’m sure Dennis had family to go home to but he decided to stop by and visit with my father for about an hour. He was all alone as I was still busy at work and after 14 hours all I wanted to do was go home. I didn’t stop by to tell my father goodnight, but Dennis did.
The next day my father was discharged; he called to tell me about the wonderful conversation he and Dennis had. The following Tuesday my father had an appointment in building C, but he wanted to be sure and head over to building B so that he could show Dennis a military award he had received. Something they must have talked about. He was very tired and could barely talk but he got up enough energy to see Dennis one more time. On his way back to his car he commented to my mother, “did you see the way his eyes lit up when he I showed him the medal”? He only spoke for one more day. He passed away that Sunday.
Dennis, thank you for being there for my father and for sharing in his excitement about his military accomplishments. That was something he was very proud of. I wish I had shown him the same excitement and acknowledgment as you did. I truly appreciate your kindness.
My father recently lost his battle with cancer. During his final two months he frequented 5NE as many do while fighting this disease. Every time I stopped by to visit my father he had nothing but wonderful things to say about his experience. He always felt very cared for and loved. One nurse in particular, Dennis Struth, made a wonderful lasting impression on my father which I am so grateful for. Dennis was only his nurse once but every time he was admitted Dennis made the effort to stop by and say hello. One special day, Dennis had finished his shift and was free to go home. This happened to be Good Friday. I’m sure Dennis had family to go home to but he decided to stop by and visit with my father for about an hour. He was all alone as I was still busy at work and after 14 hours all I wanted to do was go home. I didn’t stop by to tell my father goodnight, but Dennis did.
The next day my father was discharged; he called to tell me about the wonderful conversation he and Dennis had. The following Tuesday my father had an appointment in building C, but he wanted to be sure and head over to building B so that he could show Dennis a military award he had received. Something they must have talked about. He was very tired and could barely talk but he got up enough energy to see Dennis one more time. On his way back to his car he commented to my mother, “did you see the way his eyes lit up when he I showed him the medal”? He only spoke for one more day. He passed away that Sunday.
Dennis, thank you for being there for my father and for sharing in his excitement about his military accomplishments. That was something he was very proud of. I wish I had shown him the same excitement and acknowledgment as you did. I truly appreciate your kindness.