It is with an extremely heavy but hopeful heart that I write this update. Our father passed away on Monday, June 7th, 2021. We were suppose to have a doctor's meeting that morning at 11:00 AM but it never happened. My sister spoke to the nurse and he had declined around 4 AM. We rushed to be by his side and we were told that we could stay with him. Grateful that Jackson Memorial Hospital allowed us to stay with him on his last day with us on earth. However, that was not enough time.
Although our father is no longer with us, we are going to continue to advocate for families that have lost their loved ones, are going through this right now and for future families that may have to deal with this heartache. My father was so special. He was the type of person that would light up the room and light you up as well. He made everyone feel like they were number one. He also wouldn't take no for an answer. He was selfless, fearless and loved by many. We will continue this in his honor. We know he is in Heaven bragging about his girls right now. All we will do, everyday of our lives, is continue to make him proud.
I want to reassure everyone that this is by no way an attack on Jackson Memorial Hospital or any other hospitals. I believe we are all meant to agree to disagree, kindly. However, we were meant to stand up for what we believe in and to be a voice for everyone that has experienced this heartache with a loved one in the hospital. Especially, since Miami is open and running and people who work at hospitals are living their lives (as they should be). There is no difference between someone who works at the hospital and someone who has a loved one in the hospital who follows all precautions to keep patients safe. I was told by one of the VP's that nurse leaders and doctors drive these decisions. While speaking with some nurses, they told me they agreed that family should be allowed to be with their loved ones. We need you more than ever to speak up and be a voice for the voiceless. On my Facebook live that I did on May 31st when I was kicked out of my dad's room at Jackson, a friend commented this, "I'm a nurse and I felt all my patients progress was worst because their family wasn't at their bedside." Let that speak volumes and I appreciate her courage to speak up and advocate for her patients!
I spoke to one of the VP's from Jackson Memorial Hospital yesterday. He was kind and attentive. One of the main concerns were the long lines outside of the hospital. Visitation in the morning is only from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM- most of the times we would be in line for 30 to 45 minutes, and would lose precious time with our father. I suggested to put a plan in place such as pre-checking the people in line early and already giving them their passes, so that when 9:00 AM came they could start letting people in to not miss out on any time. We would have to write our fathers name on a paper and his DOB, wait for the line to get to a security- give the paper and ID to the guard and have them make a pass. It took a long time. The VP that I spoke to stated, "I managed to find the head of security and shared your idea. He thinks it's perfect. It will be in place today." Grateful this VP took immediate action on this matter. Change is happening and I am hopeful that visitation restrictions will be lifted soon.
NBC6 picked up our story and it was aired yesterday. I will post the link below. I will keep everyone updated as I stay in touch with Jackson Memorial Hospital and continue to check the restrictions on all South Florida hospitals.
Extremely grateful for all the love and support. Without all of you, this would not be getting the attention it needs. Thank you for all the shares on social media, words of encouragement and love towards our family in this difficult time. Losing someone you love is hard enough, imagine losing someone with all these restrictions in place. Humanity is better than this.
Love,
Vivi