I'm an 87-year-old teenager. This is my story. I had spinal surgery and was in the Gettysburg Hospital 3 days - came home - my heart decided to act up so I went back to the hospital - came home - and the white count decided it wanted some attention too - back to the hospital for a 5-day stay. During this 1 month of hospital in and outs, I met some really great RN's and assisting nurses. Gettysburg Hospital can be quite proud of its nursing staff. During the last 5 day stay, a certain young male nurse got my attention because he exceeded what I believe a good nurse should be. His name is Chris and he is the focus of my story.

Lying in bed gave me a lot of time to observe activities around me. My attention was drawn to Chris because it became obvious to me that he was special. He responded to each patient as if their needs came first when an assisting nurse needed an answer he again responded with a deal of efficiency and showed concern for their concerns. In the fast-paced task of being a nurse, Chris remained present in each situation and remained steady and efficient. I asked myself why isn't all this pressure on him causing some sort of negative reaction from time to time? I figured it out. Chris likes his job. Chris likes knowing and working with people. Above all, Chris knows how to show love. Having to go in and out of the Gettysburg Hospital for an entire month caused me some times of feeling alone. More than medicine, I needed to feel that someone really cared in the hospital setting. At just the right time, in the Gettysburg Hospital, a young nurse names Chris, gave me what I needed most, he shared the healing touch of love.