My mother was visiting my family in Galveston because she had to evacuate her home in Lake Charles due to Hurricane Laura. She had her first heart surgery at 43 and passed away at our hospital at 83. We were fortunate to have had her for an additional 40 years. While she was in Galveston she was a UTMB patient on a regular med surg unit for a week and was then transferred to the MICU for about a week before she passed away. Both units are amazing the staff was incredible and it was true teamwork. Unfortunately, I don't know all of their names but Hunter Cherryhomes really stood out.

Hunter had taken care of my mother and she really developed a deep trust and respect for him. I think it was mutual. One day Hunter was actually working on the other side of the unit and my mother requested to speak with only him. She asked me to leave the room so she could speak privately to him. Not long after that, my mother went on comfort care. Hunter left the hospital when his shift was over. Evidently, after he walked out of the hospital he realized my mother would likely pass away before his next shift. He came back to her room gave her a hug and spoke with her a bit before he left.

After she passed away we found a few "selfies" of my mom and other nurses she adored at another hospital on her phone. One was of Hunter. I am not clinical but I do work at the hospital. I see Hunter from time to time and I tell him I always tear up when I see him. He joked he hoped not in a bad way and I replied, "Of course not! You are a shining example of providing outstanding compassionate care." He builds relationships with patients and their families and helps them through some of the most challenging times in their lives.

I am writing this not only as a staff who witnesses his interactions with others but as a family member watching how caring he was with my mother. My sisters and I are so incredibly grateful for nurses like Hunter who truly provide outstanding quality and compassionate care to our patients and families.