I have the privilege of nominating someone for the DAISY Award as a CVHS employee as well as the spouse of a recent patient. If there were a photo of what it means to embody the DAISY Award, it would be Elly Thomas, RN, in the Critical Care Unit.

At a particularly dark and scary time when my wife was plummeting badly in the CCU, Elly was a rock. Despite the chaos around her she not only expertly and efficiently completed every task needed as my wife's nurse, she was comforting and engaging, patiently answering all questions with an outstanding attitude. Simply put, she has "it."

At one point during the worst moments - as Elly was steadily tending to her bedside duties - my wife mustered up the strength to ask, "I'm not going to die, am I?" And in her pigtails and with a calm voice, Elly looked reassuringly at my wife and said, "Not on my watch." (It's emotional all these weeks later to still recall that moment.)

Another favorite memory was when we were awaiting a crucial CT Scan result, which would determine next courses of action, including perhaps emergency surgery. It was nerve-wracking waiting on those results. So when the patient's room door slid open, it was Elly who threw open the curtains and exclaimed, "Great news! Your CT Scan looks better!" And the thing is, Elly seemed as genuinely excited as we were to hear that.

To choose to care for people when they are their worst is nothing short of a God-given calling. Elly and her colleagues are tending to patients who are in the most difficult situations, often fighting for their lives. To watch Elly perform with such grace and decency and kindness was something to behold.

Not a day goes by when my wife doesn't mention our stay in the CCU, and Elly in particular. My wife has often repeated, "Are you going to do something to recognize Elly?" I assured her I would, and I hope this nomination for the DAISY Award is that something.