Only twice in my lifetime did I bring home something from the hospital truly worthwhile, and those two things were our sons. However, during my husband's recent stay at Transylvania Regional Hospital, I brought home something almost as valuable, the memory of a deeply devoted and genuinely compassionate person, Jane Shockley. Her appearance, words, and deeds make her eminently qualified to receive the DAISY Award.

Jane came to my attention on the third day of his hospitalization. When I returned to his bedside at 7:30 am, after spending the night at home, he greeted me with, “Now I have a really good nurse. Her name is Jane.” Soon she entered the room, and I knew just what he meant.

Professional-looking, young and slim, she had dark hair and dark-rimmed glasses, as well as the biggest, friendliest smile either of us had ever seen. Immediately, she approached the bed, touched his hand, and greeted him like a favorite cousin. She spoke loudly so he could hear her and went about her work.

She remained his day nurse for three days and couldn’t do enough to comfort both of us. She kidded about her husband’s self-medication and listened as we told her about our families. It was as if we’d known her all our lives instead of just two days.

She answered the call bell more promptly than others and even waved to us when she passed our open door. When she exited, she always said, “I’ll be back,” and when returning, “How are you?”

During one of the most stressful times of our lives, Jane Shockley became a guardian angel, bringing calm, quiet assurance when we needed it the most.

We thank God for her and for the Barnes family for creating this award.