My spouse was having a GI procedure. As I waited with my 4-month-old baby, I noticed a busy, distracted mother of 3 young children also waiting. She seemed very worried and needed to go back in and see her spouse, who was also having a procedure.
After receiving some unexpected news, she was very upset and visibly needed assistance. Ms. Dorothy Redding kindly gathered all 3 children and provided a safe clean area for them to play in. Over the next 2 hours, I watched her read to them, give snacks, watch their belongings and provide peace and comfort to their mother. By the time my husband's procedure was over, Ms. Redding was still in the lobby, well over her scheduled work hours. A co-worker asked her if she was heading home soon, to which she replied, "they still need me".
As I walked away with my family, Ms. Redding was comforting this young mother, while helping her figure out the next steps of treatment for her spouse.
Ms. Redding is a nurse I wish we could duplicate! She embodies the spirit of caring and selfless, compassionate service. She stayed past her shift, after a full day and still gave of herself because she knew someone needed comfort that she could provide.
Thank you, Ms. Redding, for showing this young Army Nurse the beauty of your service and giving because they still need you. You are needed and valued.