Our family situation is not one that comes across your path often. I am the only child of two profoundly deaf parents. This makes medical appointments difficult, especially in the current environment of quick appointments and time-crunched staff.
I have been impressed with all the staff I have encountered. Each one has never felt like they were rushing to get through the task at hand and have taken every effort to make sure my Dad, the patient, understands what is communicated.
Gary showed that he is not only in tune with the needs of his patients but also the needs of the family. As my parents' primary interpreter when health crises come up, I am willing to help but this can come with guilt, stress, and exhaustion when extended stays are in the picture. When my Dad was admitted onto the ward, he very kindly and gently said everyone on staff would be fine using the available iPad interpreter service that my job was to be his daughter.
I cannot express the depth of blessing this has been to me. My focus can be more on boosting his morale and taking care of my own family, knowing my Dad is being taken care of and that everyone is making sure they are communicating well with him. Thank you, Gary, for seeing more than just the patient, but for seeing the family as well. Thank you for the gift of being simply the daughter of your patient.