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VIHA made Yoko-San’s final days peaceful

Dear editor,

When my beloved wife of 25 years was diagnosed with colon cancer, in the summer of 2011, we thought that was the end.

But the care and attention she received from Doctor Harris and Doctor Roger Moise gave her another three years.

Yoko expressed to more than one of the nurses who looked after her until the end that those were happy years because of the care and empathy she experienced from everybody.

I found it very assuring that a nurse was available within minutes if an emergency arose. I still find it amazing that with so many patients to see every day, they still made us feel that we were the only ones.

It was also a great comfort to witness how the team of nurses included the family and Yoko’s friend of many years, Michele Morton, a retired nurse, as part of the team and involved in the effort to leave Yoko without pain, and how they constantly kept Michele in the loop regarding any change in medication or anything that affected Yoko’s comfort.

Michele’s help and unselfish dedication to Yoko’s care and her moral support for me was what made it possible for me to carry on through the ordeal.

We also owe a heartfelt thank you to Sammy and all the staff at Kobo Sushi restaurant in Comox.

With Yoko’s lack of appetite it was not possible for her to eat anything but the goodies you brought her, and your visits were like turning the light on for her.

Keiko and Kumiko could actually bring a smile to her face in all her misery.

Yoko-San passed away on Sunday afternoon and on Sunday evening I got a call from Kimberly - the nurse who had been here the most times.

She called to make an appointment to see me the next day just to see how I was doing.

This, to me, is way beyond the call of duty. But this is the kind of thing that has brought some light to an otherwise sad experience.

That is a gesture I shall never forget.

Our community is very lucky to have this organization operating here and it is amazing how they have been able to recruit such dedicated people.

During the ordeal of losing and feeling the loss of someone very dear to me I, and my family, feel very comforted by the sympathy and care we received from everyone in VIHA.

Please accept our thanks for your help and dedication far, far beyond anything expected.

Svend O. Jensen and family

Comox Valley