In Memoriam: Remembering Our Colleagues

By: Jennifer Hayes, MDiv, BCC, Director, Spiritual Care

My supervisor during my clinical residency frequently repeated these words: “Learning to grieve the small things teaches you how to grieve the big things.”

My reply of “Yea…I don’t want to grieve big or small things,” is surprising to no one who knows me because, well, grieving is not fun. In fact, it is the opposite of fun.

It is hard and messy, tiring and mostly unwelcomed. Yet, grief meets us all.

In 2024, grief met the people of Cook Children's Health Care System in a variety of ways—the retirement of community staples, unexpected life circumstances, undesired patient outcomes, and the deaths of five cherished colleagues:

Eric Hernandez

(September 26, 1973—February 8, 2024)

Program Specialist II, Inpatient Psychiatry

Eric Hernandez

Danny Kim, M.D.

(July 18, 1966—February 15, 2024)

Physician, OP/C, Windhaven

Dr.Kim

Shelly Rosenberry

(April 9, 1960—March 12, 2024)

PN Practice/Program Manager II, Richland Hills NHC

Shelly Rosenberry

Charisse Schlottman

(November 16, 1990—June 21, 2024)

LVN, Emergency Department, Fort Worth

Charisse Schlottman

Melva Thornton

(August 26, 1966—December 25, 2024)

Program Specialist II, Inpatient Psychiatry

Melva Thorton

The thing about grief, though, is it isn’t something you do so you can “get over” or forget whatever feelings or circumstances exist. Grief changes a person; it offers perspective and reflection.

Grieving offers pause so you can absorb the truth of what happened while gradually finding a way to create a life around your new reality.

As we begin 2025 with this new reality, you are invited to share your favorite memory, funny tidbit, or kind reflection about Eric, Danny, Shelly, Charisse, and/or Melva in the comments below. If we missed someone, please let us know in the comments.

May we continue to honor the memories of Eric, Danny, Shelly, Charisse, and Melva in ways that carry forward the goodness they fostered within our institution and in our lives.

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Theresa Castruita-Garcia

January

2025

I remember when I worked with both Mr. Eric and "Big Momma" Melva (as she loved to be called) in the Inpatient Psychiatry unit, they were both a joy to work alongside with. They brought joy to the patients and made coming to work fun. Although I no longer work in that department every once and awhile, I would see them around and they would always say "Hi" and how we always said we "missed working with each other." They would always have a smile on their face. Rest easy you two and save a place for me.

Sheila

January

2025

Remembering Shelly when I worked with her at the miller NHC, how we laughed about me telling her about leaving her tissues around, she would always grab a tissue to open doors & now and then would set them down and forget to pick them back up during our huddle meets in the morning. Brings a smile to remember her, she was a great manager to work with.