My 96-year-old mother had a heart attack early in the morning. She was rushed to Newton Medical Center and treated in the ER. After they stabilized her, they determined she would be admitted but there were no rooms available. She was moved to the back of the ER. She was scared, confused, and very frightened about the necessity for my daughter and me to go home for some much-needed sleep. As we were reassuring her, my daughter saw a childhood friend, Blair Ebner, in the wing. They grew up together in 4H and were very active in the horse program.

Blair immediately spoke to my mom in a calm, reassuring way and called her the name all her family and friends call her. She was gentle and caring and we could physically see mom relax. She was to be mom’s nurse until there was an available room. She snuggled her in a warm blanket and talked to her about how she would take care of her so we could get some rest. Mom is very hard of hearing and Blair spoke directly to her in a voice loud enough for her to hear. The entire time she was patient and so friendly and reassuring.

We went home and about 11pm Blair contacted us to let us know they were closing the back section of the ER and she was taking my mom with her to the front section. She let us know mom was doing well and not at all stressed about our absence. She reached out again as her shift was ending to let us know about mom’s progress and tell us she had informed the nurse who was taking her place all about mom including her preferred name. Thanks to Blair, we got a much-needed rest, and my mother had a positive experience on her first night in the hospital. I feel so fortunate that coincidence brought Blair to us that day. She is truly an angel, passionate and dedicated to her job of helping others.