Today, I had the pleasure of taking care of a selfless and kind homeless patient who has touched so many lives here in the ED. He even touched the life of my fellow nurse, Breah Riddle, during his last visit in ways that left her thinking of him even after her shift. Breah made a care bag for this patient filled with new clothes, hygiene items, gift cards, an umbrella, and an emergency blanket. Breah brought those items to work with her the next shift, but the patient had been discharged. I called Breah when I realized the he was back in the ED and asked her if she wanted to give him the items and she asked me to please do it. I cried along with the patient and other staff members as I gave him the gifts from Breah. He told me how wonderful Parkridge and our staff are. He also said he was at a loss for words and didn't know what to say. The man was very grateful. Breah is the true meaning of compassion and caring. I am a firm believer that she did not choose nursing, but that nursing chose her. She is an asset to our department, and I am honored to call her my fellow nurse and friend. Today, she changed a life, and she wasn't even present.  

This patient also wrote: "Breah, I wish I knew what to say. No one has ever done something like this for me. I will never forget this for as long as I live. Thank you."