My father-in-law ended up in the cardiac ICU suddenly last Friday after experiencing a full cardiac arrest, being without oxygen for some time, and being revived by paramedics and coming into the ER. Michelle was met by my shocked mother-in-law and many family members coming in from out of town. The care she was giving my father-in-law was exceptional. She did everything to make him comfortable. She dealt with us with a level of patience that I've never experienced. Understanding what we knew walking in, calmly explaining what happened, what they were doing, and what we could and should expect. Making sure that we had resources, for example setting up regular daily family meetings with the doctor to understand where we were and decisions that needed to be made.

At that first meeting, she slowed things down and ensured we understood, provided comfort to all of us as we processed the severity of the situation, that we weren't out of the woods and the journey ahead. She was willing to answer tough questions and listen. She also masterfully worked as a team with the doctors, therapists, and other nurses. In fact in two of the shifts we've seen her hand off, her peers have told us "she's the best one, we all learn from her." With her care and support we are progressing through this journey, although we aren't certain of the future, her support is navigating each day and is appreciated.