Hannah, I was last with you recently, sitting at my friend's side, as we chatted for some time about his love of cooking cheesecake. We talked about how chatty he was with you just the weekend before, and how he was unresponsive so fast. He had the tube in his nose from the night before so that his meds could be given and we discussed whether it was really needed anymore. We spoke of your recent graduation from nursing school and how much you enjoyed spending time with patients in his condition. You mentioned you come into his room at night after all visitors have left and stay with him.
I remember you told me that night you were not on the schedule for the next nine days but that you'd probably call in to see if anyone needed help. I'm sure when you returned you learned that he had passed the next morning, just hours after you got off duty.
So, you were the last person with him for any length of time that last night. I told his son (who also said he went to see him on that last night), what you told me about sitting with him. That meant so much to him, knowing his dad wasn't alone.
I also remember the last thing I said to him, as I was stroking his hair and telling him how much we all love him, "you're going to be okay tonight, Nurse Hannah is here and she's going to take very good care of you."
Thank you is not enough, but it's all I can think of.
His funeral is this Saturday morning. I'm sure I'll be telling the story again of the wonderful Nurse Hannah, who was taking care of him all the way to the end.
On behalf of his friends and family, I'd like to sincerely thank you again for all that you are and all that you do.