Today marks one month since my dad’s passing. And there has not been a day that I have not thought about one nurse. That nurse is Keeley Ertl. That tells you the impact she made on me. I can’t even tell people how wonderful she is or what she did because I end up in tears. What makes Keeley stand out? There are many little things.

One scenario I witnessed occurred in the middle of the night. My father was agitated and uncomfortable. Keeley came in and calmed him down. She held his hand while resting her elbow on the bed. For the next 25 minutes, that arm never moved. She did not want to break the peace and comfort that she had established with him. So, when she reached for a device that was behind a computer monitor and hanging on the wall, she stretched and contorted, but never moved that arm. I remember watching and thinking how uncomfortable that must be for her; how her back must be aching. She never wavered.

Then I see Keeley lift her leg and start to slowly extend it behind her. I think she is stretching to give her back a break. I was wrong. You see, the room was dark except for the light from the bathroom. Keeley saw the light was in my brother’s eyes, who was sleeping nearby. She pushed the bathroom door closed so that he would not be disturbed. Wow! Thinking of others, too. It is just all these little things.

Even the nights Keeley was the Charge Nurse, she still came in almost every time to assist rather than sending in a Nursing Assistant. Keeley said it was an honor and a privilege to care for my dad. She also said she was there to care for us, too. She delivered, over and beyond my expectations. Keeley demonstrated so much love and care for her patients and those around her. Keeley is so special. I am so thankful for Keeley. I know I may not write eloquently, but I hope you can recognize the gratitude and admiration I have for Keeley.