My mother was admitted into Meriter Hospital 3 days before her 80th birthday with what we thought was a flare-up of cellulitis - we were wrong, and Mom ended up in ICU for a couple of days to receive antibiotics on several health issues she was battling. Every nurse at Meriter was great and provided good care but Nurse Lacee stood out the most to me and my family. Mom entered the ER and then was transferred to the 6th floor but was immediately sent to the ICU - the changes and moves were occurring so quickly as a family we could not keep up with her care. When I entered the ICU I did not have to tell Nurse Lacee, she knew we were all very confused and very worried about Mom. Nurse Lacee welcomed me and my family with open arms and told us she was going to take care of Mom and she knew what the intended plan was. Nurse Lacee then met with my husband and me away from Mom to explain in layman terms what Mom was experiencing and how they were going to help her through the condition. You have no idea how much this extra step comforted us as a very concerned family. Sometimes doctors forget that stress of caring for a loved one can make the family very stressed and not listening. The extra time Nurse Lacee took not only calmed me down but then allowed me to support my mom as well with her decisions on her healthcare. Mom spent her 80th birthday in ICU - she was spoiled with a piece of cake a balloon and singing hospital staff - I know Nurse Lacee was behind the celebration and for that, we thank her too. Mom was transferred out of ICU after a few days back to her 6th floor room, but Mom never stopped talking about the kind and compassionate care that Nurse Lacee provided her. When a patient is going through some end of life decisions and family cannot be there all of the time, it was nice to know she had Nurse Lacee to rely on and talk to. thank you, Nurse Lacee, for helping Mom through her stay, she always mentioned you and your care to others as she went down her end of life journey. Our family is very grateful that you were there to care for Mom, please never doubt your career choice, you made the right decision at being a nurse, it shows in your daily work. Mom passed away 3 months after her stay at Meriter, but you gave her time to say goodbye to her family and that she appreciated more than anything during her end of life. Thank you from our whole family.