Our main purpose for writing is to nominate one of your most outstanding, efficient nurses, Amber Carter, for the DAISY Award. If ever there were a nurse who is deserving, it is Amber. I don't remember the first time we met Amber, but I can't begin to tell you how much she comforted and blessed our family during some very dark and difficult days. She was extremely kind to my Mother. She took time to go in to her room often, to wet her lips and apply lip balm often. Mom was SO parched from going for many days without so much as a drink of water or an ice chip. Amber had a very exceptional sense of compassion, and she was absolutely one of the most efficient, caring nurses I have ever met.

Amber was a steady source of encouragement to us in these awful times. She was always truthful with us, yet, she always encouraged us to look on the bright side and keep looking up. Needless to say, our hearts were breaking in half and we were needing someone to explain what was going on. God knew who we needed in those final moments. He sent us Amber. I cannot tell you how thankful I was to see her walk in. She hugged us, she even cried with us. I have NEVER seen a nurse enter into the pain with a family like Amber did. She is the epitome of a true nurse she has a heart full of compassion, and she is so sincere and genuine. I could not believe the way she comforted each and every one of us. Honestly, we just cannot say enough good things about her.

She was an advocate for my Mother when there was talk about moving her off the ICU, WAY before she was ready. She told me she would do all she could to keep her there, and she did. Amber was truly doing ALL she could in the best interests of my Mother and she only wanted to make sure Mom got the proper and sufficient care that she needed.

One night, shortly after her death, I remember that Amber had told us she would be on duty for the next four nights. I awoke very troubled in the night, and I called ICU. I apologized to Amber for bothering her, and she was so kind to me. I asked her questions, and she did her best to answer them. She comforted me when she said, "Mrs. Cheryl, she was so tired. It was her time." I was so thankful for her time and kindness at a very low point. She truly went over and beyond the call of duty. She is very deserving of the DAISY Award and you are very blessed to have her on your staff, especially in the ICU Department where tact, discretion, compassion, and kindness are of the utmost necessity.

All I can say, is thank the dear Lord for sending Amber to us she came at the most opportune time. She allowed me to stay in the room with my dear Mother until I was ready to leave. She comforted my husband, our little boy, my brother-in-law, my nephew, my sister, and me more than we could ever say. She was a Godsend, and she IS a Godsend to your hospital and the ICU. She deserves good things for the kindness she extended to us at the most horrible, dark moment of our lives.