My 63-year-old mom recently suffered a CVA. She also had to have hip surgery after a wicked fall. Laura was my mom's nurse Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Laura was kind, patient, and exactly what Mom needed. My mom was always cleaning, cooking, and caring for others. After her CVA, she then suffered from mild to moderate aphasia. She graduated from college with a 4.0 GPA and spent her life as a social butterfly. Laura was the 1st staff member of 4 West to allow Mom the time she needed to speak. Others would ask Mom if she knew her name, date of birth, what month it was, but before Mom could get the words out, the staff would just answer for her, then say she was A-OK. Laura made Mom feel important, safe, and dignified.

Laura is an angel, and I will never forget how the atmosphere changed when she walked into the room. I want to recognize and praise her for her treatment of my mom and the way she did it. This hospital is blessed and fortunate to have Laura. I'm a better daughter because I observed the right way to treat CVA, and I'm going to implement Laura's way into my own nursing practice in hopes of helping change the game back in the Midwest.