In 2013, an angel nurse came into the lives of my husband and my family. Debbie came into my husband's room in the middle of the night and began to talk to him. We were told he would probably not live through the night but he had six children who desperately wanted to see him. Debbie asked my husband if he wanted more blood and his reply was yes. Debbie's supervisor also heard his words and the order was given to give him another unit of blood.

Because of Debbie's actions, which prolonged my husband's life for 12 more days, all six of his children from across the United States (California, Illinois, New York) flew to our Florida home to visit with their father. It was amazing to see my husband uplifted at the sight of his children. THANK YOU Debbie for your sensitivity during this very difficult time for our family. You are a special nurse; your caring for both the physical and emotional well-being of your patient as well as the family is very much appreciated.

The attitude of "blood is for the living- not those who want to die" and living wills is subjective. Sometimes we need a Debbie in our lives to help us through.

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I am able to write this one year later because a close friend of mine is in the hospital after falling in her home, and while visiting her I found out about the DAISY Award. Almost a year after the fact, I can finally say thank you to Debbie in a very special way.