My grandmother was recently diagnosed with lung cancer. It has been progressing very rapidly and within a week it had doubled in size. For several days she was coughing up large amounts of bright red blood. She put off going to the doctor over and over because after smoking for many many years, I don't think she really wanted to know the truth. We were finally able to get her to see her doctor and she was right away admitted to the 8th floor. They found that the tumor had surrounded one of the pulmonary arteries and was bleeding into her lungs. She was struggling to breathe and very scared.

I want to thank all the team members that helped her during her stay. The physicians were wonderful and made sure that all her family were in the room before he came to talk to us about her condition. He made us aware of how critical the situation was. Even though our grandmother is 88 years old, it is still hard to hear such horrible news. He told us that she has very invasive lung cancer. They could just make her comfortable in the mean time and see how she does or we could send her to Denver to try to get the artery fixed. At that time, I was able to witness a nurse that displayed the very essence of what being a nurse is all about. After our family heard from the doctor, the family began to comfort each other. Each person focused at that moment on how they were feeling about what was going on.

Amanda was in the room when the Dr. came in to give us the news. She observed all the family members comforting each other, but then she paused and noticed that no one was surrounding or comforting my grandmother. She was scared and seemed so alone in the bed. I could tell that she wanted to say something but didn't know how. I then saw Amanda bend down to her level, hold her hand, get real close and just listened. My grandmother was debating what she should do. At that moment Amanda said, "No matter what decision you make it will be the right decision". My grandmother then seemed more at ease with her decision. I just think she needed permission from someone she didn't feel she would disappoint.

In that small moment, while doing something so very small, Amanda showed me what nursing is really about. It is more than just knowing when and how to give medications. It is about healing, and being open to listen in those small moments.