Twenty two years ago my older brother died of a massive heart attack. At his funeral, our daughter, who was a medical doctor said to me, “Dad, go home and have a thalium stress test.” I did, and some problems were detected. Thereafter followed a cardiac cath one morning and my wife was at the hospital all day that day, as we were waiting for the results. Finally, she went home between 9:30 and 10:00PM after a long day of waiting. The cardiologist soon came into my room after my wife left, woke me up and laid on me that I needed a four-vessel heart bypass surgery. Being all alone without family there at that time, I was devastated. When my nurse who was with him, came back to my room, she asked me, “If I was still awake?” I told her, “I probably won’t sleep anymore tonight.” My nurse was Brenda Rasumssen, RN.
Brenda sat on my bed that night and “talked me down” for two hours. I could not have gotten through that terrible night without her. Through the years when I have been visiting in the hospital, I often would avail the opportunity to see her for a moment and tell her thank you, as I could not have gotten through that night without her and that I never, ever will forget what she did for me.
I understand that this DAISY Award is a special recognition for a very special nurse. Brenda most assuredly is more than qualified to receive it! She is a wonderful, beautiful person and is a fine, caring and sincere example of the nursing profession. I will never ever forget you. God Bless you and your family.