During my hospital stay it was discovered that I had a diagnosis that was both totally unexpected and utterly devastating to me and my wife. During those terrifying days and nights of my stay, there was one individual who recognized my needs as an elderly and fearful patient, as well as those of my devoted wife who stayed with me. This nurse used her extensive skills and vast knowledge to address my worries, ease my pains, and provide real hope in ways that were both professional and compassionate. She efficiently organized resources and scheduling to facilitate my healing and provided clear and understandable information about the diagnosis, physician's orders, scheduled surgical interventions, and all the while expertly monitoring my condition with reassuring concern. Many times, my wife and I remarked that she was a personification of the Nightingale Pledge recited at our daughter’s graduation from nursing school. In addition to my more complex nursing needs, she also carefully observed my incision wounds, bowel movements resulting from a drug-related ileus, dietary needs, personal hygiene, and sleep. When she was assigned as my nurse, I felt better, worried less, and looked forward despite the grim diagnosis. She also consoled my wife and made her comfortable by bringing tea or a warm blanket for the night without asking, as if she knew our needs ahead of time. After her shifts ended and before she left work, she would stop by to spend a few minutes with my wife and I to talk about our children, grandchildren, careers before retirement, and to reassure us that we were going to be well-cared for. It was during those times that she was more than an exemplary nurse – she was family. She truly cared about us, and we’ll never forget her kindness.