My father doesn’t trust people easily. But somehow, Soleman earned that trust almost immediately. By the end of my father’s hospital stay, he wasn’t just his nurse; he was “Buddy”. 
Soleman is truly an extraordinary nurse whose compassion, honesty, and humanity made a profound impact on my father and our entire family. My father had been hospitalized for the fourth time due to complications from pneumonia. During a previous visit, Soleman had been his nurse, so when we saw him again during this stay, we immediately felt relief. But what meant even more was how my father reacted. My dad is not someone who easily trusts people or connects with them quickly; it takes time. Yet with Soleman, that trust came naturally. Soleman treated my father with a level of patience, kindness, and respect that allowed him to feel safe and understood. Before long, my father began calling him “Buddy”. That small word carried a lot of meaning. It showed how comfortable my dad felt and how much he trusted Soleman. 
One of the things that meant the most to my father was the walks they would take together in the hallway. It was just the two of them, Soleman encouraging him, talking with him, and helping him keep moving forward even when he was very weak. Those walks gave my father a sense of strength, dignity, and normalcy during a very difficult time. What makes Soleman truly exceptional is that he doesn’t just treat patients; he sees them. He saw my father as a person, not just someone in a hospital bed. His calm presence, honesty, and empathy brought a sense of comfort to our entire family. Even during the most stressful moments, Soleman remained steady, attentive, and compassionate. 
There is a moment that I will never forget. Soleman advocated for our family when we needed it most, making sure my father received the attention and care he deserved. The very next day, when my father’s condition became critical, he took a moment to thank Soleman for what he had done for him. Seeing my father express that gratitude in such a vulnerable moment is something that will stay with me forever. It showed just how much Soleman’s care meant to him. During this hospital stay, we were incredibly fortunate to have Soleman as my father’s day nurse again. Whenever we needed help, he was there. When we needed someone to coordinate with the care team, he stepped in without hesitation. When we needed reassurance, he gave us calm and honest guidance. And when we needed a moment of laughter to ease the fear and uncertainty we were feeling, he provided that too. Soleman didn’t just care for my father; he cared for all of us. He treated my dad with the same compassion and protectiveness that someone would show their own family member. That kind of care cannot be taught; it comes from the heart. Because of Soleman, my father felt safe, respected, and truly cared for during one of the most difficult times in his life. If not the most difficult time in his life. Our family felt supported every step of the way by him. His presence made an immeasurable difference in our experience. Soleman embodies everything that the nursing profession stands for: compassion, advocacy, skill, and humanity. I do not doubt that he has made life-changing differences for many patients and families, just as he did for ours. We are incredibly grateful for Soleman and feel fortunate that he is part of the team at Virginia Hospital Center. If anyone represents the true spirit of the DAISY Award, it is he. I would nominate him again and again without hesitation. 
Long after this hospital stay, our family will remember Soleman, not just for the care he provided, but for the way he made my father feel seen, respected, and safe. In a time filled with fear and uncertainty, Soleman brought compassion, dignity, and humanity into my father’s care. Nurses like Soleman are the reason patients and families find hope even in the most difficult moments. We will always be grateful for the difference he made in our lives.