Rachel Puhl
October 2025
Rachel
Puhl
,
RN
Renal/GU
St. Luke's Hospital
Chesterfield
,
MO
United States
You have been an exemplary human being. You, in part, helped save J's life because you cared beyond your job description.
Dearest Rachel, I just got word that J and the crew (J traveling by medical transport, with assistant L) have crossed the Oklahoma/Texas border. And that has always been a magical moment for us because we always felt, at that point, we were as good as home (still with 3 hours to go).
I cannot thank you enough for being a part of making this moment possible. Because so many times during the past 12 days, I didn't think it was. I know you are a medical professional, and I know you are paid for your services, but I also know that your work is much more than a job, and you showed this to us so many times on this unplanned journey.
You have been an exemplary human being. You, in part, helped save J's life because you cared beyond your job description. You answered questions for me to help understand what I couldn't begin to know, so many miles away from home. You included L in helping get J to where he needed to be. And for J, you were a kind, loving soul when he had nobody to give him a prod, when he had nobody to give him hope, and nobody to give him the extra love and care he needed, and I couldn’t.
Your extra visits, your extra time, and your extra love, no doubt, kept J from fading away. I am sure of it. And, though I know that J can be a tough nut to crack and a difficult patient, he is genuine and loyal to those he respects. And he has so much respect for you. While at St. Luke's, J spoke of you often and with such high regard. Whenever you were on duty, I felt such peace and comfort. You have no idea what that meant to me, as the distance was excruciating. So many times, I prayed and prayed and prayed for whatever miracles might be possible, even if it was just comfort for J., and I saw miracles. You were a friend and a warrior for his cause, and I am forever grateful.
I know that I have my work cut out for me, beginning in just a few hours. The torch is being passed to me, and I feel up for the task. Whatever happens from here, J is home, and that is where he needs to be. I thank you for that. Even though our meeting was just a brief encounter, you will always be special to me. God bless you!
I cannot thank you enough for being a part of making this moment possible. Because so many times during the past 12 days, I didn't think it was. I know you are a medical professional, and I know you are paid for your services, but I also know that your work is much more than a job, and you showed this to us so many times on this unplanned journey.
You have been an exemplary human being. You, in part, helped save J's life because you cared beyond your job description. You answered questions for me to help understand what I couldn't begin to know, so many miles away from home. You included L in helping get J to where he needed to be. And for J, you were a kind, loving soul when he had nobody to give him a prod, when he had nobody to give him hope, and nobody to give him the extra love and care he needed, and I couldn’t.
Your extra visits, your extra time, and your extra love, no doubt, kept J from fading away. I am sure of it. And, though I know that J can be a tough nut to crack and a difficult patient, he is genuine and loyal to those he respects. And he has so much respect for you. While at St. Luke's, J spoke of you often and with such high regard. Whenever you were on duty, I felt such peace and comfort. You have no idea what that meant to me, as the distance was excruciating. So many times, I prayed and prayed and prayed for whatever miracles might be possible, even if it was just comfort for J., and I saw miracles. You were a friend and a warrior for his cause, and I am forever grateful.
I know that I have my work cut out for me, beginning in just a few hours. The torch is being passed to me, and I feel up for the task. Whatever happens from here, J is home, and that is where he needs to be. I thank you for that. Even though our meeting was just a brief encounter, you will always be special to me. God bless you!