Summer Bowers
August 2022
Summer
Bowers
,
RN
2West
Stanford Health Care Tri-Valley
Pleasanton
,
CA
United States

 

 

 

As breathing slowed, we looked into each other's eyes and we started to cry. My daughter took her last breath at that moment, and I had a loving nurse at my side.
I would like to share my story and express my gratitude for an SHC Tri-Valley nurse who extended her skills, her heart, and her love for her patient, my daughter S. When S was beginning "comfort care," she had the opportunity to ask which nurse she would like to have care for her. She selected Summer Bowers. After a few days, S's health continued to fail. Throughout S's month-long hospital stay, there were many wonderful and caring nurses, but no one compared to Summer. Her cheerful smile and compassionate touch helped to calm us all, even during the storm that was about to come. With just Summer, myself, and my daughter in the room, S's breathing became even more labored. The breast cancer had spread to her lungs, and breathing was very difficult. Summer stayed and held S's and my hands. As breathing slowed, we looked into each other's eyes and we started to cry. My daughter took her last breath at that moment, and I had a loving nurse at my side. I could not have wished for a more compassionate person to be with me at that moment, when life leaves a loved one's scarred body. Having Summer with us both helped turn a tragic moment into one surrounded by love and caring. I did not know Summer before my daughter's last stay in the hospital, but now I know a person who is an angel and well-deserving of the DAISY Award.