My dad recently got a cancer diagnosis and had to have bowel surgery as a result. On post-op night one we had a wonderful nurse named Michael Hawks. He was very kind and spent time talking with Dad - not only about his medical care but just life in general, which Dad enjoyed.

My dad is a "people person" and a talker. As soon as my dad got out of surgery/ Recovery room he was so thirsty. My family asked multiple people on the day shift when or if he could have ice chips but no one knew. Dad was growing irritable because his mouth was so dry. He said he was miserable because of this, which was hard to hear. At 7:10 pm we met Michael at shift change and asked him about the ice chips. He said he didn't have the answer then - but would find out. Less than one hour later he was bringing Dad ice water! He said he couldn’t find the answer in the chart, so he called the On-Call Surgeon to find out. He took time out of his busy duties to make that call. That ice water changed my dad's whole spirit that night and I was so appreciative!

Another example of Michael’s kindness was in his patient education. Dad had an ileostomy done - Michael was so patient and encouraging, showing Dad how to empty the bag and teaching him how it all worked. Dad had been nervous about changing it himself. My dad and I were talking at bedtime after Michael had gone on from the room and Dad said, "I think I can do this... that wasn’t so bad." Michael gave Dad a feeling of confidence and independence. I know Michael had other patients that night, but he never acted too busy for Dad's questions, conversations, or requests. His kindness and compassion shined through with each interaction we had with him!