My father's health had declined and after multiple trips to the ER and multiple hospital stays, we found ourselves at the hospital again. During this particular course of events, my father received a pacemaker, had a GI bleed, experienced multiple TIAs, and had a carotid artery cleaned out. While he was in the hospital, my mother was a 'Code Green' due to having a fall while going from his room to the colonoscopy waiting area in the north tower. Numerous people responded to help her, but Tamika stands out for both my brother and me for her particular response.
Tamika assisted with my mother who had an obviously broken wrist and was covered in blood from a broken nose. Just before being wheeled away to the ER, Tamika leaned over and told my mother she would check on her later. True to her word, a couple of hours later, Tamika came walking into her room in the ER carrying a vase of flowers. She spoke with my mother for a few minutes, but those few minutes were soothing, healing, and calming for my mother and our family. At the same time, my father was having a colonoscopy to attempt to find the location of his GI Bleed.
As I mentioned, another of Tamika's responses stood out to my brother. When she approached the area where my mother had fallen, she had a bag in her hand. There were many staff and visitors gathered around and she had no way of knowing who the family was. All she knew was her hands had to be free to assist the person lying on the floor. She walked up and passed off her bag to my brother. Along with the bag was her credit card.
My brother was amazed that this nurse would pass her credit card to a total stranger who could have left with it, took a picture of the information and attempt to use it later, etc. Her primary concern was to help our mother. Her compassion and passion for people is probably her everyday life, but it is not our everyday experience. I hope she can be recognized and celebrated. Thank you.