Dear Ms. Hatton,
We would like to take the time to formally express our gratitude for John Marksbury, RN, who cared for our father, Mike Manyak. During the four weeks our father was in the care of Hospice of the East Bay, John quite simply, made the whole experience better.
To say our dad was a very particular person is an understatement. Yet, from his first meeting, John formed a warm, communicative relationship. One of his most outstanding qualities is that he has a way of getting his work done and at the same time share stories, exchange laughter and get to know one another. In the short time we had Dad in hospice, we came to feel that John folded right into our family.
The other quality that stands out is the compassionate care John provided. While being compassionate is most likely a part of his professional role as a hospice nurse, John brought more. We’ll never forget the time John paused on his way out, kissed my dad on top of his head, and said, “you’re a good man, Mike.”
While we don’t know if it’s procedure for the hospice nurse to clean and dress the deceased patient, John did. When the family came in and said our final goodbyes, Dad looked so dignified and at peace. It set our hearts at ease knowing that Dad was in John’s hands during his transition and after he passed.
There’s one other thing that we’d like to mention even though it doesn’t relate directly to Dad’s care. Often John’s visits overlapped with the visits of aides. We witnessed the obvious rapport and respect he had with each one, and vice versa. And, as appropriate, we watched as John mentored an aide who was in training to become a nurse.
In closing, John responded promptly and with compassion and concern for all routine matters and those that were beyond. Our whole experience was made better by him. We are so grateful that John was our dad’s nurse.
Sincerely,
Michael, Anne, and Tashina Manyak.
