Lincoln Del Rosario
January 2025
Lincoln
Del Rosario
,
RN
3 East Medicine
Valley Medical Center
Renton
,
WA
United States

 

 

 

Because of Lincoln, I got to sit and share my father’s last meal with him, and this is something I will never forget.
I met Lincoln while visiting my father. As I arrived, Lincoln was helping my father to and from the restroom. Immediately, I noticed his compassion for my father, who, let's say, was not the easiest patient. I stepped out while Lincoln finished getting him back into bed. Once he was comfortable, Lincoln came out and greeted me, taking the time to have a lengthy conversation about how my father was doing, which included his care and morale. During the 10 days my father was there, this was the only time I was approached by a nurse. Just that day, I learned my father had to be placed on comfort care to die. He had many ailments and had been on a “heart-healthy” diet. I was asking my dad if he could have anything to eat that he wanted, but I knew he was on the special diet for his heart. I went out and approached Lincoln to ask if I could get my father some food, even though he was on a special diet. He looked at me and said, “you know what, he hasn’t been eating. I’m going to page the doctor.” Next thing I knew, Lincoln was back in the room to say that he had been placed on a regular diet and that I could go get him dinner. My father stopped eating entirely the next day and ultimately passed away two days later. Because of Lincoln, I got to sit and share my father’s last meal with him, and this is something I will never forget. I thank him deeply for providing compassionate care to my father in his last hours. And for what it’s worth, my father also mentioned how great Lincoln was to him. Thank you again, Lincoln.