There are times when one individual can make a huge difference, and Ashley was that person. My daughter A has had a difficult year in regards to her dad. Over the last several weeks A has complained of chest pains. On Sunday night she seemed different. Worried that she was indeed having a true "episode" we headed to the ER. In the back of my head, I thought it was anxiety and a pulled chest muscle.
Upon arrival, Ashley was amazing. A had feared it was something much worse. She even thought she could die. Ashley could have brushed it off, but she didn't; she allowed and supported her thoughts and walked her through every step of her ER visit. She listened. She got to know her patient. She let A express herself but was able to accomplish what she needed to complete. She was reassuring when we were given results and made sure it was "kid-friendly" so that A understood everything. Thankfully, my thoughts were correct, and it was only a pulled muscle, but she validated what she was feeling.
The last couple of days since our ER visit A has talked about Ashley and how nice and comforting she was to her. I am thankful that Ashley was her nurse for the night. In a situation that could have had a different outcome; Ashley gave A peace in her thoughts and brought calm into the room and situation. For that A and I will both always be grateful.