As I sit here holding my mom’s hand as her fight ends, I look across at the nurse’s station to see what could have only been the sweetest, kindest, and most compassionate nurse our family was gifted with. Margaret was introduced to me the first night my mother was given a bed in the CVICU. I was told she was wonderful, but it wasn’t until I got to experience the care she gave my mother. When I was exhausted and didn’t want to leave Mom’s side, Margaret assured me she would take the best care of my mom, giving me the confidence to leave her (Mom) in such good hands. She treated my mom and my family with the utmost respect and compassion. As Mom got worse and we got to know Margaret better, we all got to see that such a newer nurse truly exemplified what a nurse should be.

This evening, I write this, with a sad heart as I get ready to say goodbye to my mom, my best friend.

Margaret came and said she would sit with my mom while I stretched my legs and I came back to see that she was still there sitting beside Mom so neither of us had to be afraid.

I am thankful our hospital found her and it gives me comfort to know Mom had the best of care and that someday when I need care, nurses like Margaret are here.