Nurses have the privilege of accompanying patients and their families as they travel on the journey that stretches from birth, wellness, illness, health and finally death. More experienced nurses also have the privilege of accompanying their colleagues as the travel the continuum from new hire to seasoned member of the St. Mary's care team. This is a story within a story about how nurses make accompanying part of daily practice.

A patient in the SSICU had come to make that final transition. She had a large family and they knew she would want to be outside, feeling the breeze and warm sun on her skin, free from the contraints of the clinical environment.

Scott was the patient's nurse and he was working with a Resource Pool orientee, Hannah. Scott and Hannah wheeled the patient's bed out to the rooftop Tranquility Garden, accompanied by her family members. This is how the patient's family describe the experience in the patient's obituary: "(Patient Name), age 79, has had a beautiful ending of her life...Oh Mom, how do we even start? How many people have 50 plus family members by their side when they leave? You did! It was a beautiful ending in the Tranquility Garden at St. Mary's Hospital, thanks to nurses Scott Erickson and Hannah Inbody. The sun was shining. The beginning of Mom's new life is back in Dad's arms..."

So, Scott and Hannah made it possible for the patient and her family to complete this final journey on their own terms. What a marvelous way to bear witness to the wonder and mystery of the human spirit that resides in each of us. In every sense of the word they accompanied the patient and her family.

And, Scott also accompanied Hannah on her St. Mary's journey. He showed her that a St. Mary's nurse will always find a way to keep the patient and family at the center of everything we do. And together, they demonstrated what Florence Nightingale identified over 100 years ago..that fresh air and sunshine have a central role in healing.