A patient is developmentally delayed with the cognition of a young child. She was admitted for a small bowel obstruction from a board and care facility. Since admission, she has been extremely uncomfortable and scared. She had an NGT and was struggling with multiple issues throughout the night. Monica was her nurse one morning. During rounds, Monica mentioned that the patient was not saying much at all but did repeatedly say, "If I get a new stuffed animal, I am going to name it Mowy." The patient seemed fixated on this and could not verbalize anything else, as if this was a coping mechanism for her fear.

Later that day I am at the central station, and I see Monica walk by carrying a new snowman stuffed animal she purchased at the gift shop. She smiled and said she was taking it to the patient. I watched outside the door as Monica proceeded to give the snowman to Ms. M. I wish I could describe the excitement and joy in the patient's response. It was like watching a child on Christmas morning. She was hugging and kissing the little stuffed animal and began speaking to it. Monica left the room, and I continued to watch the patient for several minutes. She was smiling and hugging the stuffed animal, in complete awe that she got her Mowy. What is even more wonderful is how much the patient calmed and opened up after the gift. It was such a small, beautiful act. Monica is a constant reminder of what it means to be a nurse. Thank you, Monica, for loving your patients wholeheartedly.