While I was hospitalized in La Crosse, many nurses and others served me around the clock, checking my vitals and asking if I needed anything. All were pleasant and sincere, which I appreciated very much. Most of them were ladies, but a few men. I always asked them their first name and maybe how long they worked for Mayo. One of these was Brittany Henderson. I remember her smiling, though I couldn’t see below her eyes because of the mask. But her eyes smiled. I’m sure she did her job well, like the others. The indelible impression came later.

On the day of my discharge, someone wheeled me down to the lobby and out the door to the curb, where my spouse appeared with the car. I stood up and sensed someone behind me. Turning around, there was Brittany, smiling at me. She then said, “I followed you down to say goodbye.” While I was absorbing the sweetness of that, she stepped closer and gave me a really nice friendly hug. That was just an amazing personal touch to me, made me think she wanted to make me feel cared for. Recently, I decided to go and find her so that I could thank her for her kindness. As we were talking, she began to tear up. When I mentioned to her that I was going to submit her name for the DAISY Award, she became even more emotional. I thought, wow, this young lady is sincere, sensitive, and probably works hard to do her job well. So, I am happy to do this for her. I think she is a valuable asset for Mayo.