My mother was a patient on the 2nd floor of Kenmore Mercy Hospital for five weeks. She received excellent care throughout her stay. During the day, I could advocate and support her directly. When I went home after visiting hours, I had to trust the evening shift nurses and aides. Evenings were tough. However, the care she received in the evenings in some ways exceeded her daytime care, something I will be forever grateful for.

Kora, you are a key member of that evening staff. I am writing to especially thank you for one particular night when you took the time to counsel my mother. After visiting hours, the surgeon told my mother the antibiotics were not working and that she would need to have surgery. He left her alone to process that information. When you discovered her alone and in distress, you came to her rescue. You helped her call me at home. This gave my mother a chance to talk about what had happened.

I could calm her a bit, but in the middle of the night, you provided your professional perspective on colostomies. You were not dismissive of her concerns and agreed that no one wanted to have that procedure. You took the time to share your experience with patients with colostomy bags and how those patients felt. By the time I saw my mom in the morning, she was effectively thinking through her options. This was only possible because of your good counsel.