Wanda Henderson embodies the heart of nursing. While I have seen the kind, trusting connection she develops with her patients time and again, several years ago I was able to witness an extraordinary display of compassion following the events of a devastating tragedy. I found just myself and one other nurse, both of us were nearly paralyzed by the heartache of what we had just experienced, alone in the room with a family suffering an unimaginable loss. Suddenly, I noticed Wanda had appeared by my side; and I watched in admiration of the tremendous strength and empathy she demonstrated as she took over the process of consoling a grieving family. The tenderness in her actions and the solace in her voice as she cared for that patient and family will be etched in my memory as the epitome of the spirit of a nurse, and I'll be forever grateful for the support she also gave to her fellow nurses during one of the darkest days of our careers.