Why is it that dreaded calls come in the middle of the night? Roused from sleep by a thrill ring of the phone, I answered with trepidation. My heart started to pound as my daughter in law said, “Liz, something has happened to Lee. He collapsed at work and had to be resuscitated, they think he had a cardiac arrest. “Miraculously our son’s life was saved by a Good Samaritan, an off-duty police officer, who initiated CPR and knew how to use the AED. 

We were beside ourselves when we learned that Lee had suffered a second cardiac arrest in less than 24 hours. This time the doctors and nurses saved his life at Sanford Cardiac Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.  Now that the crisis is over and Lee is recovering well at home, I find myself reflecting on the outstanding care Lee received.  Sanford was unique not only in how they wrapped their arms around Lee but our family as well. It is not surprising that one of Sanford’s values is family, which they describe “as the connection and commitment we have to each other through it all.”

Sanford is a state of the art healing hospital that was carefully designed for exceptional care with the comfort of the patient and family in the forefront. A hotel is attached to the hospital with an enclosed sky walk for the convenience of family. As I entered, I was immediately struck by a calm, sanctuary atmosphere and gorgeous art by local community artists.  Most impressive was an incredibly moving sculpture called “Heart of Humanity” by Benjamin Victor, which symbolizes “the core values of the people of the region: the pursuit of knowledge, the advancement of medicine, the bond between people and the land and the support of loved ones, family and caregivers. The back of the sculpture reveals itself as an anatomically correct depiction of the human heart.”

 I found the soft piano music soothing and the beams of sunlight streaming down from above a consoling warmth. There are no set visiting hours you can come and go as you please.  Family members are welcomed with a guest area equipped with a coffee station and snacks. Meals were not served off of a cart at prescribed times. Whenever Lee was hungry he could pick up the phone and order a meal off the menu.  As we kept vigil by Lee’s bedside there was a couch available for resting. Every person we met was professional, kind and attentive.

During Lee’s stay I met two women who I will remember. Carmen greeted families in the surgical waiting room and kept family members updated. She was hospitable towards us during Lee’s surgery but I was too distracted with concern to engage. The next day we ran into her by the elevator. She remembered us and inquired about Lee. When she noticed my Lady of Guadalupe pendant she shared a story in which, she escorted some Catholic Sister’s out of Mexico to the US. The experience left an indelible imprint on her soul and sharing her story with us touched my heart.

Volunteer, Dorothy Bostic RN practiced nursing for 60 years and graduated from Sanford nursing school in 1955. The first thing Dorothy said to me was “Let me give you a big hug.” Leaning on her cane she escorted me on a tour of the one room medical museum. She was a healer and I knew I encountered one of the greats. 

Sanford’s promise to patients and employees is to deliver a flawless experience that inspires. They certainly kept their promise to us! I am grateful for the outpouring of love, support and prayers we received from our family and friends. Thank you dear hearts.

 Liz Sorensen Wessel