I would like to compliment and thank, from the bottom of my heart, a nurse I had last night named Ma Judy. She came into my room one night and I was crying (I think she overheard me say "Oh dear God help me, help me, Jesus." I was saying that to myself because of the pain in my back (I had a burst fracture of my L4 vertebrae and the pain has been intractable.) I was reading this little prayer book which was called "Hope in a Time of Suffering" that my grandmother gave me years and years ago. I found it in my little suitcase when I was getting ready to come to the VA, I had not seen that little booklet for years.
When Ma Judy saw me crying and reading that booklet about praying to God/Jesus to please help me. Even though she had a mask on, the look of empathy, caring and understanding was in her eyes and I honestly felt/knew that she understood my agony, I could tell she really cared about me and wanted to help me sincerely as a person and her kindness and attention to my needs were so genuine and so helpful.
Without hesitation, Ma Judy was at my bedside and when I looked up at her she had the kindest eyes and even with her mask and plastic shield, the compassion in her eyes could not be hidden by her facial protective gear. She asked me if I would like to listen to a song that she thought would give me hope in my time of need.
Ma Judy shared the most beautiful song and I had tears running down my face. Not sad tears. She gave me hope and understanding when I was so desperately in the worst pain of my life. She had already given me my pain medication and we talked a little more after the song was over. I don't think I have ever seen a nurse show so much true empathy and compassion and generosity of her spirit in my life.
I feel like I should acknowledge what she so kindly did for me at my bedside when I was feeling so terrible and was in such horrible pain. Through her actions, I was able to relax and finally go to sleep.
Ma Judy went out of her way to do anything in her power to help me. I've never seen such a truly kind and generous nurse in my life. She made me feel better and I still feel better. It seemed like it was just in her nature to be able to comfort someone so kindly. I will always be grateful to her for her beautiful and sweet kindness to me.
Thank you for taking the time to allow me to express my deep gratitude and I thought you should know about how she helped me so much. As a matter of fact, every nurse I have encountered here at the VA has been over and above the highest quality of care.