There was a cardiac surgery patient who suffered a cardiac arrest resulting in a sick post op course, including an open chest, balloon pump, and prolonged intubation. Miraculously, the patient was extubated with no deficits.

The patient’s wife and daughter were constantly at the bedside. The daughter told Sarah Sheretko that it was her parents’ 40th wedding anniversary and that she had surprised them with a chaplain to renew their vows. When Sarah heard about this, she looked around the unit to find decorations to make it more special. She was able to find a ‘Mr. and Mrs.’ sign and put it on a tray from the cafeteria with ice cream sandwiches to give them to celebrate. She found a ‘bride’ sash from a prior work party and made a ‘groom’ sash with supplies found on the unit.

The patient and family had a very scary few days not knowing if and what kind of recovery the patient would have. I’m sure this was some brightness that they needed following several dark days.