Matt was one of the first nurses who spoke to us on the day my husband J came to Regions. He spoke with us in the family room and talked directly about the risks/considerations with the family history of heart disease. It was incredibly important that our kids heard him so clearly elucidate what they need to consider as far as diet/lifestyle.

I told Matt, "If J's regular doctor at home had explained that so clearly and directly, I think he would've listened." Matt continued to be a presence throughout J's stay. He always checked in with the family and me - reminding us to take care of ourselves. We always felt so reassured when we'd see that Matt was working. It made us feel that he was there to see us through - from start to finish. A calm, grounding reminder that everything was going to be alright.

Matt also recognized the brewing that J is co-owner of - and it was nice to be able to talk to him about J - outside the ICU - That J. We talked about J's music, and Matt shared that he was a musician as well. Again, it felt good to talk about J the person outside of J the patient. He provided an outlet for me to share these stories - enlivening the person who J is as a whole "well" person. Sometimes, in the midst of all the machinery and the trauma and the delirium, J, the person, could've gotten lost. We felt that Matt always saw him for who he is - and for that, and many more things, we are grateful.