Our younger brother (age 54) was the absolute best person ever. He had Down Syndrome and an illness that often accompanies that type of condition (chronic heart issues). On one afternoon in October, our brother was once again admitted to Seton in Kyle for heart as well as lung problems. He fought very hard but ultimately passed away the next day.
During the last, abbreviated stay, our Nurse Elizabeth Bravo was one of several staffers assigned to our brother. As always, the nursing staff did a great job caring for him. However, Elizabeth went beyond the norm; not just checking in on our brother on a very regular basis, but always asking if we, his family, needed anything. She was extremely diligent and very caring towards us, which (with our emotions running very high) could not have been easy. She was steadfastly patient and kind, and very sympathetic to our situation. After our brother passed, she made it a point to make all the calls necessary so that his body would be promptly and appropriately cared for.
What I will remember most is that as we left, Elizabeth walked us toward the elevator, and then gave us a very heartfelt hug. We very much appreciated that gesture. Our hope is that Elizabeth is appropriately recognized for her professionalism, as well as for the sincere empathy she displays toward the patients and families entrusted to her care.