Seventy-three-year-old Brad Tuttle of Fort Collins, Colo., was enjoying his retirement after serving as a mortgage banker for 40 years. He was active with yard work, writing, and family, which includes his wife, Juneal, of 55 years; two children; and six grandchildren.

This past spring, his life changed when he had a cardiac arrest.

After his initial treatment, Brad chose to receive rehabilitation at Northern Colorado Rehabilitation Hospital. He lives near the hospital and had heard about the specialized care they provided from friends. After his transfer to the hospital, Brad began physical, occupational, and speech therapy.

“On my second day, I heard the Holy Spirit tell me to demonstrate His love toward the staff and patients,” Brad says. “It dramatically shifted my attitude. I started smiling and talking with everyone I met, welcoming staff into my room and thanking them when they left. I was greeted the same way back by everyone. It’s interesting how that works.”

Brad says he couldn’t help but notice how all the staff, nurses, and doctors really cared about those they were serving.

“The nurses would caringly communicate and provide medications. CNAs would gently touch patients and take notice of how they were doing. Staff always greeted us in the hallways. It reminded me of being at the Broadmoor hotel,” Brad says. “It was true concern, compassion, and care.”

Brad said he saw the same with the employees in the therapy department as well. “They talked to patients and encouraged them,” he says. “I could see it wasn’t ‘just a job.’ They were putting their whole heart into it. They demonstrated real protection and support. I was so struck by the kindness the entire staff demonstrated, that I asked on several occasions if they had to pass a ‘kindness’ exam before they were hired. Many really didn’t grasp why I was asking this question, which truly shows that kindness is their second nature.”

Brad says that through the wonderful care he received and with God’s hand, he graduated in eight days from being on oxygen and in a wheelchair to walking with a walker, to walking on his own. Within 17 days, he walked out of the hospital on his own. “It’s because of the power of God and his miracles,” he says.

Brad is now back home and enjoying doing yard work again, writing, and hosting a television program. He also continues his therapy with NCRH through its outpatient program.

Overall he says, “I was really touched by the staff at Northern Colorado Rehabilitation Hospital, and I fell in love with everyone!”