My father had been ill and suffering from congestive heart failure, among other issues. He went in for what seemed a normal heart Cath. Needless to say, it was anything but normal. My father flatlined twice after two stents and was placed on an impella, put in an induced coma, and placed on a ventilator. This was very scary and unexpected. This is where Mike comes into our lives. He was the only nurse during this time of uncertainty to actually treat my father with dignity and positivity. He would talk, joke, and give my father physical contact, treating him as if he were awake in there. He asked questions to understand how to communicate with him and showed him compassion, empathy, and hope.

Mike was very attentive to our family and always was sincere, honest, and took the time to explain anything asked. When my father was extubated and awake, nervous, scared, and in pain, Mike was the only nurse to treat my father like a human being, not someone on the verge of death, but someone who deserved dignity, compassion, and love. He truly treated my dad like family, and that made his journey to the Lord so much more peaceful and less anxious for all of us. I honestly cannot put into words losing my remaining parent so unexpectedly. I was his healthcare proxy, and Mike guided me through all the paperwork, calls, and doctors to help with his end-of-life wishes.

He helped me give my father, a Catholic Deacon, the dignity and faithful passing he prayed for. Mike repaid him for all the years of service he gave others. He is an excellent, caring, empathetic, and knowledgeable nurse. My father and family could not have gotten through this without him. When we saw him in my father's room, we knew my dad would have a good, peaceful, and well-kept day. I cannot say enough, coming from a medical family with the astounding, extraordinary care Mike gave my dad. We could be present with my dad because of Mike. St. Joseph's is a better place because of his service, care, and compassion. He was always present and willing to go the extra mile for my father and family. Thank you from the bottom of my and my family's hearts for bringing my father to the end of his journey on earth as lovingly as he entered.