Dear Rachel,

Thank you for coming into our lives. When my dad had his first real scare in the emergency room, we were sure if he was going to even leave the hospital. We knew there was no guarantee for how much time we had with Dad for how bad his heart was, but the 40 days we had after that were certainly a gift.

It is one thing to just have days left with him that we can spend by his side, but with your help on medication and the care at Heritage that you helped push for, those days were filled with laughter, smiles, wonderful crazy stories, and hugs received. Every day wasn't perfect, but it was so much better than seeing him drugged up and non-responsive to the people around him that it could have been. I was glad to hear you were able to see my dad's personality and laugh with him.

I have no doubt of how grateful he was in regards to the help you provided him directly. In his pre-Parkinson's mind, he would have openly expressed the appreciation he had for the service, smile, and laughter that you provided with your visits and care. I can't imagine all that you deal with at times in your job, but please know the amazing memories that I will always carry with me of my dad at the end would not have been feasible without you. That means so much more than I could ever express to you.