I was admitted to Mayo Clinic for a spontaneous CSF Leak and a bilateral bleed in my brain. I would like to recognize Diana Ruhl, my ICU nurse, for the following exceptional care and compassion that truly exemplifies what a nurse really is. Diana had an impact on me that will forever stay with me. I do not remember anything that was happening early on during my stay, as I was sedated for the first three or four days, BUT I do remember this nurse. I remember hearing her voice saying, “Hey buddy, you’re doing so well today.” Diana would talk to me while precepting a new grad, telling me what day it was, what was happening, or what they were about to do, and so forth, as if I was a fully alert “walkie-talkie” patient rather than an unconscious patient on a ventilator. I remember she would always hold my hand while doing so. Her voice and touch were the only things I can remember, and it was beyond comforting. This kind of care, compassion, and sincerity in which Diana did it cannot be taught (it truly comes from her heart.) Not only was her voice and touch sincere, but I hope that Diana was able to instill that compassion in her new grad. My wife (who is a neuro/stroke nurse educator) told me that when she would walk into the room and start to talk, I was more responsive, and all my stats would “perk up.” I remember finally being able to open my eyes… it was upon hearing Diana’s voice. I recall hearing her telling me that her shift was over, she was leaving, and she would be off until Thursday (four days from now). I vividly remember reaching out and grabbing her hand and shaking my head to say, “please don’t go” -- it broke my heart to see her leave. I would truly like to say thank you to Diana as her voice and touch literally pulled me out of the darkness and to say… “I heard your voice and felt your touch.”