Nomination Letter

Written by client's daughter Sherry B.

James is extremely courteous and polite. He is energetic and eager to help in any way he can. James spends each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday caring for my Dad.

I live in Oregon and my Dad is in Salt Lake City, so I have to trust that the aids are caring for him properly. I worry about my Dad every single day. James has been so incredible and such a blessing. He sincerely cares about my father! My sweet Dad is bed bound.  I can contact James at any time when he is at my Dad's and ask him if he can do additional things for him and James ALWAYS reassures me he will be happy to do that. He takes him from his bed, into his wheelchair, and strolls him around the neighborhood. This is not an easy task as you would have to be strong enough to lift him and take him out of the house on a ramp that is a bit difficult to work. James was happy to do this to help make my Dad's days better. James will thoughtfully take pictures and send them to me! James helped get cabinets installed in order for it to be easier for the other aids to care for him.  He agreed to mow his lawn, which is outside of the normal requirements. I feel at ease when I know James is with my Dad!

I just returned from a 10-day trip from Utah and James made something very special possible for my father. My father has not left his house for an outing in 2 years. I wanted my Dad to have a special birthday at his shop. Keep in mind, this shop was always his pride and joy. It has my Dad's old collection of cars, motorcycles, airplane, and boats. My Dad spent a lifetime filling this huge shop up and would talk about it nearly every time I spoke with him.

For my Dad's birthday celebration, I wanted to organize having many family members, in town and out of town join along with lifelong friends. But there was a missing piece of the puzzle. We needed someone that could take him out of his bed and figure a way to transport him, stay at the celebration, help get him back home, and back into his bed.

When I asked James if he would be willing to help, he eagerly said YES! Not only did he agree to this, he changed his workhours to work later on this Saturday in order to accommodate the entire day. If not for James, my Dad would not have been able to drive around the city and see things he had not seen in so long, he would not have been able to see his shop again or partake in the activities there. He would not have been able to be taken for a ride in a convertible Mercedes, which was likely the highlight of this day.

I asked BrightStar Care if it was possible to get James full time rather than just Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. They said they would try to get him for more hours, but he has many other patients that request him as he is their favorite too. No surprise!

James is a blessing, and I am so very grateful he cares for my father while I can't, due to our distance apart! He is the BEST aid!  My entire family agrees!

Last year, my Dad told me he wanted to die. He was depressed and was giving up. This was heart wrenching for me. James is upbeat and friendly, and he encourages my Dad to be happy! He is amazing!