My 18-year-old daughter was involved in a serious car accident. She soon arrived at the Emergency Center. Eventually, she was moved to the MOU floor, where it was later determined that she needed emergency surgery. EC Director introduced me to the wonderful nurse leader of that floor. Her entire team was a God send, especially her! Catherine was warm, compassionate, and understanding not only to me but to my daughter as well. She introduced herself to my daughter and ensured her she will take great care of her. She did not rush or “fast talk” us when questions and concerns need to be addressed.

Later that day, I went to her and explained that the driver of the vehicle, my daughter’s friend, is visiting and is on medication for his injuries and had not eaten. I asked her when the breakfast cart comes if it is available if he could have something to comfort his stomach. She immediately sprung to her feet and said, “Don’t worry I will take care of him.” She shared with me that she has kids and can relate to how I feel to see both in pain. She encouraged me to go back to work and leave both of those babies in her hands. She was aware that the driver was not a patient, but she removed her nurse’s hat and replaced it with a mother’s hat.

As the day progressed the trauma doctors visited my daughter to explain the procedure that she needed to have immediately. My daughter was in shock and refused to have the surgery. The leading trauma doctor explained to her that when he pressed her stomach, she should not give the type of reaction that she did and that it was a sign that there could be something seriously wrong. She continued to refuse the surgery. Her dad, auntie, grandmother, the nurse, and not one but 4 trauma doctors could not convince her how important this surgery was. She expressed that if she decides to have it, she would like to have it done the next day. The trauma doctors and team members expressed to her that if something is wrong, she may not be here the next day. The doctor further explained to her he has rescheduled all of that day’s operations because her condition is urgent. He patiently explained to her if all is well, that is great!

However, if something is wrong and they did not proceed with the operation it could be deadly. She continued to refuse. The doctor looked at us and said, “Okay. Good luck to you, we will revisit you tomorrow.” One of the trauma doctors added, “Tomorrow may be worse because your reactions are not good. You could have a bowel obstruction and if so, sepsis could set up and you could die.” He asked her if she understood, and she nodded yes and continued to refuse. Everyone left the room in disappointment. The nurse leader entered the room to speak with my daughter alone. The trauma team proceeded to leave the floor. Moments later, the nurse manager poked her head out of the door and yelled, “Stop the doctors, she’s going to have it!” The Director quickly went to inform the Trauma doctors.

Later that evening I received 3 calls from 3 different trauma doctors. Each of them expressed how urgent this operation was and that if she had waited until tomorrow, she would have become very ill or possibly died. They had discovered a serious bowel injury with leakage of stool in her abdomen and had to remove some of her intestines. One of the doctors expressed how grateful he was that the nurse leader took the lead and convinced her to proceed; she saved her life. I was previously aware that the nurse leader convinced her, I just didn’t know how. After hearing the doctor’s report, I immediately thought of that nurse leader and her kindness, compassion, and her smile behind her mask. God sends people into your life for a reason. She entered my daughter’s room under God’s instructions. She allowed God to speak through her. Whatever was said, it convinced my baby to proceed. God gives burdens to those that can handle it. He knew I could not handle the burden of losing my daughter. That’s why He sent for this wonderful nurse leader. I later asked the nurse leader what she said to her, and she couldn’t remember all that she had said, but she did remember praying with her and telling her if she does not have this operation she could die.

My daughter stated that she spoke to her with care and love. She stated the scared look in the nurse leader’s eyes was a sign that this operation was serious. She mentioned the nurse leader does not know her besides what’s on her chart, and for a stranger to have so much care and fear in her eyes made her realize that she should proceed. After they prayed, she was convinced. This extraordinary nurse leader is Catherine Rimando. Catherine, you will forever be in our hearts. I truly believe there is favor over you, there must be! For you to take a moment of your time to place your wings on and save a life shows it. Catherine, never change who you are! Because of you, I get to kiss my baby a little while longer, thank you!