I came to the hospital for low calcium. I was not allowed to go home, so I could not text. Four days later, I broke down in the dark behind the curtain. Josh peaked in and broke the ice by saying, “Your eyes are leaking.” I smiled, still trying to hide my tears. He asked, “What’s wrong?” I replied, “I’m blue.” He walked closer and asked why. I told him it has been a bad week. I found out I had a small amount of cancer, and I am scared.

My husband and son are home with COVID and not doing well, and my new puppy keeps looking for me, no visitors for two days, and communication problems due to a broken phone. Most friends did not even know what happened. Josh stopped his rounds, looked at his Nursing Assistant and said, “Hold on.” He came over and asked if he could give me a hug. Boy, was I in need of that. I cried more; I was so lonely.

Josh assured me it would be alright. Boy, was he right. Two days later, I was told the cancer was small enough that no radiation was needed, thank God! Then friends and family came in and I told them all about Josh. His smile, his compassion, to know how much patients need medical staff like him. He is a true blessing. I want to thank him and the staff for the wonderful care.