To be present for a child as they lay in a hospital bed under your care is what nurses do. To be present at that child's wedding 20 years later is above and beyond!
My new son-in-law, A, endured 26 surgeries at Cardinal Glennon by the time he was 8-years-old. He loved his nurse, "Boots," who cared for him during many of his hospitalizations. Fast forward 20 years, A's nephew is at SSM Health for a minor procedure. During this visit, A's brother learns that Boots is still working at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon. He leaves A's phone number with the staff and asked them to have Boots contact A because he has big news to share. A was excited to hear from Boots after almost two decades. He shares the news that he is getting married in just over a week and extends an invitation to Boots, hoping she can attend. Much to A's delight, she made time to drive more than an hour to attend his wedding and spent much of the day enjoying the reception with family and friends.
I want to recognize Boots for not only the time she spent being present for a little boy and his family while they endured so many hospitalizations but also for leaving a lasting impression that earned her an invitation to his wedding so she could be present during one of the happiest days of his life.