Carole Smith has truly embodied the essence of what I believe is heartfelt nursing. Two years ago, I arrived at the ER with a pain on my left side. The ER docs proceeded with a thorough assessment, and after spending the night being made comfortable, I was transferred to a room. I was seen briefly by a GI physician and awaited the results of the diagnostics. During this time, Carole Smith was my assigned nurse. She was new to the hospital and was a delightful comfort in her easy, warm and upbeat style. The next morning, she came into my room and said that there was a call from the physician and handed me the telephone. My husband, who had been with me, had just gone for coffee. Carole did not leave my side but sat down as I listened to the voice on the other end of the phone say, "You have a tumor on your pancreas". All of a sudden, I realized that someone was holding my hand. Carole had reached out and took my hand in hers, as I experienced disbelief. My husband returned to see us both looking distressed, tears running down my face, and this empathetic woman at my side holding my hand. I will never forget that moment of that special "Angel" who made a nightmarish moment one that was accompanied by a caring, warm person. She shared with us later that she was concerned that the physician might tell me the diagnosis over the phone, and she made the decision to stay with me. In the two years that have passed, my husband and I stop back to see and hug this amazing tribute to the nursing profession and we all share a warm, tearful hug with one another.