My husband's mother (J) loved Christmas more than anything, but on Christmas morning, we noticed that she was windier than normal and was using the edge of the stove to prop herself against as she fried bacon and eggs for our Christmas family brunch. 

A few days later, when her breathing got worse, we took her to see a pulmonologist who asked to be directly admitted for potential respiratory failure. Not happy about the admission at all, she was placed in the pulmonary unit, where that night she met her evening nurse.  

I might add that my mother-in-law was not always an easy person to please, especially when she didn't feel good, but the next morning I got the report that her overnight nurse had been "absolutely wonderful," but she couldn't remember her name. She told me that the nurse knew me and had worked with me near the end of the Med Center Covid shot clinic. I knew immediately who she was talking about because I had already witnessed this nurse's dedication to mission in my time working alongside of her. 

She remained J's nurse the following evening as well, which turned out to be Ms. J's last. Refusing a respirator or Bi-pap, as her breathing worsened, Heather was so patient and comforting to the whole family as the kids and grandkids, more than visitation limits allowed, all arrived to stand around her bed to say their goodbyes. Her presence during those evenings with J was so greatly appreciated. 

She treated us as if we were the only people in the whole hospital, and that went a very long way during such an unexpected and stressful time. I would love to let Heather know how much her service meant to me and to my entire husband's family. I know Heather is studying to be an APRN, and I have no doubt she will be an awesome one.