My mother went in for surgery after she learned she had cancer in the ducts of her breast. After her surgery, she said she had the best nurse, Caitlin O’Shea. Later that night, my mother had to go into emergency surgery due to internal bleeding. A code was called, and my mom was scared. Caitlin stayed with my mom, even after she clocked out from her shift, just holding her hand and comforting her. She had to be back at the hospital in a few hours for her next shift, but she stayed bedside with my mother. She wanted to make sure her patient was ok and felt comfortable and safe. I cannot express to you what it means to have someone so selfless, compassionate, and empathetic beside my mom when I or my family couldn’t be. She made sure to be my mom’s family when she needed it. My mother hasn’t stopped talking about Caitlin since the minute she met her. She said she was calm during the code because Caitlin was there. She said she knew she was going to be ok because Caitlin was there. If me or my family can’t be there to care for my mom, then I’d hope someone like Caitlin could. She stepped in and offered her that type of “family care” beyond patient care. The next day I brought Caitlin gerbera daisies as a thank you for holding my mom’s hand through that scary night, but it just doesn’t feel like enough. She deserves this recognition more than any nurse I’ve ever met, and that’s coming from someone who has worked in the healthcare field for 8 years.