I am a drug and alcohol counselor, a mother, a wife and a granddaughter. Recently, I experienced a great loss. My grandmother passed away at your hospital. She raised me since I was six years old, and she was everything to me. No one can really prepare for the day that they lose their person. In 24 hours, I had to work through all the stages of change. From denial to contemplation and from preparation to action, I would not have been able to have the strength to get through the shock and trauma of this day without your amazing staff. I wanted to take some time during this period of grief and heartache to ensure that you know how very special your staff is - specifically Nicole.

Not only did she go above and beyond for my grandmother in her last few hours on this Earth, but she also looked out for me. She demonstrated genuine compassion, in addition to professional excellence. She walked alongside me at my most vulnerable moments, ensuring that I felt comfortable and empowered. There are no words to explain this to you, but Nicole, on the cardiac floor, is nothing short of an angel, and on that day, God knew that I needed her. As I take time to reflect and recover from the hardest decision in my entire life and the emotional hangover of losing my guardian, my protector and my best friend, I leave you with this: Nicole - my angel, and her healthcare team are more than a blend of skill, heart, and unwavering commitment. They are champions of hope and healing. Thank you for taking the time to read this letter and for letting them know how much they have impacted me.