It was almost the end of my shift when I had a new admit. His name was M, we all knew M; a kind young man in his early 30's who suffers from poor vision and diabetes. This time, however, M broke my heart, he was sad and teary-eyed because it was his birthday, the second birthday he spends lying in a hospital bed. I tried to comfort and cheer him up, but I myself felt so sad for him. I went to Sam, another RN on the floor, and I told her about M. Sam, of course, being the cheerful and thoughtful person that she always is, her attitude was, if it's M's birthday, then he should have a special one. Whether he is in the hospital or not, we should try and make it as memorable as possible. So, she took it upon herself to find a few moments and run down to the cafeteria and buy him a little piece of cake. Then she went to the gift shop and bought him birthday balloons and a big fluffy cupcake toy (she intended to make it a big gift, so he does not have problems seeing it) and last but not least, she bought a card. The card was handed down to nurses and PCT's on the floor to sign and wish M a happy birthday in big handwriting (so he can see it). Day shift and night shift team members participated. And after shift change, but before day shift nurses left the floor, all the nurses and PCTs led by Sam entered M's room with balloons and gifts, singing happy birthday to M. It was a very emotional moment for all of us. M perked up and started laughing out loud, while tears streaming down his face and mouthing "Thank You". His mom, who was by his side, stood up and started singing with us, then grabbed her phone and proceeded to film us, while crying herself and thanking us. I believe we all felt very emotional at that moment, and I looked at Sam singing to M with a big smile on her face and thought to myself, that this is an amazing nurse, someone I look up to and am proud to work with. She truly made that day special for M and his mom.
Sadly, I have recently heard that M had passed and that birthday was his last. May you rest in peace M. And Sam thank you for making it a special one.