I appreciated you being my night nurse Kate, not knowing what to expect. As I lay in bed recovering from prostatectomy surgery, trying not to move an inch because it seemed every breath ached, you helped me be as comfortable as possible. I realized I had been lying flat on my back since being admitted at 1100 a.m. some 10 or 11 hours earlier; when it came time to walk for the first time, you steadied me. Resting your hand softly on the small of my back, shuffling around the nurse’s station, you rubbed your hand up and down precisely where I was in pain. At that moment, I knew I was lucky, fortunate, and blessed to have you Nurse Kate, caring for me because almost instantly I felt relief. After my walk and resettling, you ensured I had everything I needed, including pain meds, water, juice, blankets, and pillows.

Throughout the night, I did not sleep as my neighbor was busy taking meds or buzzing the nurse for bathroom breaks between his time sleeping or snoring. Kate, you were always there right on time before the pain returned. In particular, in the middle of the night, the room was getting hot, and you checked the thermostat and then left the door open so it could cool off. Maybe these are little, automatic things you do for all your patients, but they are important and special to me. We are letting you know, Kate, how much we appreciate your caring spirit and heart and how fortunate I was to be your patient. I’m so thankful to have crossed paths with you. You are just a great human being and an example of how to do it right. Thank you!