Lily displayed excellent empathy to a patient with PTSD who was nearing the end of his life after a sudden decline in his health. This patient valued having caregivers be calm and slower, which made him feel seen as a person. Loud and fast caregivers, he recounted, would trigger past childhood abuse that made him feel small. After this patient spent 35 days in the hospital, he shared that he began "not feeling like a person anymore," from repeatedly communicating his boundaries for "peace and slowness." He continued that he understood why they can't always take their time and talk with him, "But that lady [Lily], I tell ya -she made me feel seen. She has a reeeally good heart." He shared while tearing up.

Lily saw his hurt and chose to take the time to hear his desires, then communicated what it would take for her to fulfill his request for peace and slowness. She shared that if he could be delayed being seen for a while to make sure her other patients were taken care of, she could offer some time to sit with him. He agreed, and she sat with him as he shared his heart with her.

Lily also collaborated with me to put a sign up outside of his door to communicate to other caregivers to maintain gentle voices and slower interactions.

Lily's empathy, willingness to listen, and willingness to be adaptable assisted in helping this patient make meaning in the midst of his suffering, to share a bond with another human when he felt at his lowest. I saw that compassion in difficulty not only provides dignity, but even restores humanity.