An Oncology Nurse Was a 'Treasure' for a Patient and His Family

My dad was an awesome man. He was a man of God who was strong in his faith and never met a stranger. During his time as a patient of Dr. Claude Grigg Jr., he became close friends with Jessica Krousel, B.S.N., RN, his primary nurse.

Jessica was always kind and compassionate to my dad. He would come home from chemotherapy, tell me how good Jessica was and how much he enjoyed “visiting” with her. Jessica always had my dad’s best interest in mind and treated him with respect.

Due to his hard work in the past, Dad’s hearing wasn’t really good. When COVID-19 came along and my mom was no longer able to take him to his appointments, I began taking him. Even with COVID-19 restrictions in place, Jessica and Dr. Grigg always allowed me to go in with my dad to “listen” for him.

As his health declined, I would call Jessica with questions, and she always got me an answer that helped. On Dad’s birthday, Dec. 9, Jessica had balloons waiting and celebrated with Dad during his appointment.

When the day came that it was decided nothing else could be done for him medically, Jessica cried with me on the phone.

Ten days later, when I called to let Jessica know that my dad had passed, she cried with me again. Jessica was late for the funeral but still came to the house to see my mom and me. She sent me a text after the funeral and included a beautiful song that she said was how my dad felt about me. Every time I listen to “The Man Who Loves You the Most” I think of my dad and his wonderful nurse, Jessica.

Jessica was always there to take care of and love on my dad during his visits, except when she had COVID-19. Although the other nurses were great, Dad (my mom and I, too) always missed her terribly during her leave. We were all overjoyed when she returned to work. Jessica was always there for my dad and us as a family. She went above and beyond in everything she did. When Jessica was taking care of it, we never had to worry. It would get done.

My dad “went home” on Feb. 22, 2021. Just recently, Jessica texted me that she was thinking about my dad. She is still taking care of mom and me with her friendship. Jessica is the best nurse I’ve ever met. She is most definitely an Extraordinary Healer®.

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