This is my story about Jim Henson, RN

Six years ago, my life changed in the blink of an eye. I went from being a successful professional to someone in need of medical observation and acute care due to severe anaphylactic asthma. The pharmaceutical treatments used to save my life during those episodes led to skeletal failure, wheelchair use, countless hospital stays, and the need for multiple stabilization surgeries.

At that time, my father was a respected acute care RN at one of the top medical facilities in our area. After attempting to manage my care while working, he made the decision to retire early and take over my challenging medical and case management. Following advice from my pulmonologist that the environment we were living in was detrimental to my pulmonary system, my parents lovingly reestablished their entire life on the Gulf Coast. My father is now my daily caretaker. He administers my IV medications, handles my port care, manages my oral and nebulizer medications, and monitors my CPAP and BiPAP use, under the guidance of my medical team.

While I am incredibly grateful for his technical and medical expertise, what means more to me than words can express is his unwavering emotional, mental, and spiritual support. He is always gentle and loving, knowing when to allow my tears to flow and when to wipe them away. He understands when my body needs rest and when to open the blinds and lovingly declare it a new day. He attentively listens to my seemingly impossible dreams and encourages me to persevere with hope in Jesus Christ. He is my rock on this never-ending medical journey.

Among all the heroes roaming the world today, my father is, without a doubt, one of the greatest gifts in my life.