My husband was sedated and intubated in the ICU for over a week. Even though he was not aware of his surroundings and couldn't communicate, Mary treated him with such kindness and respect. She treated him like a complete human being-not a patient or an unconscious person or a set of medical problems to be dealt with. She always spoke to him as if he were present in the room-explaining what she was doing and why-not over him (or ignoring him). She respected his dignity and privacy at all times. She spoke to him conversationally, even making jokes at times. She not only took excellent care of him but truly took care of me as well. She took time out of her day to make me a cup of coffee every shift that she was his nurse. She explained things and answered any questions I had and really listened to all my concerns. She provided levity and compassion that relieved some of the darkness during the darkest days I've yet to live through. After he was downgraded from ICU, she kept in touch with me personally and has continued to check in on us and suggest questions I wouldn't otherwise know to ask his providers. This is more than a job to her, it's obviously a calling and I'll forever be so thankful.