I would like to nominate Jamie Schmucker for the DAISY Award. She was our Hospice nurse for my Grandmother, for about eight months. She delivered her care with careful consideration of our loved one's feelings and concerns. Gram had a very limited education, and she always spoke to her in a respectful and intentional manner that could be understood (and always making sure to speak loudly since Gram was also hard of hearing) and not be embarrassed by her education.

She and I both wanted Gram to make as many of her care decisions as she could. It was clear that she had developed a special place in her heart for Gram and me over the course of months that she worked with us. And that feeling was definitely reciprocated by Gram, as I heard her pray regularly for Jamie and heard her say more than one time, "Ooooh, I just love that nurse so much!"

Gram always made sure to give her a big hug before she left, and I could tell that she was touched by Gram's love and came to enjoy and look forward to those hugs. Perhaps what touched me more than the care she delivered to Gram, though, was the guidance she offered me as Gram was going through the active dying process.

There came a weekend when Gram announced that her time here was up, and that she was going home to be with Jesus. Jamie knew that I was not about to leave her side, and that I was very likely awake all hours of the night on both Saturday and Sunday before her passing very early Monday morning. During those two long nights, she sent me messages checking to see how *I* was coping, uplifting my spirits, reminding me of our faith, and offering some practical advice too. That practical advice related to not feeling like I had to urgently call the funeral home, or even hospice once Gram passed. To allow myself just to have some very private, quiet, unrushed time with her, she assured me that close to her passing, Gram could still hear me.

Those thirty minutes that I took to be alone with Gram before I told anyone else were such a gift! To just tell her all the things I wanted her to know, to share a special prayer, and sing a favorite hymn were so powerful, so meaningful, and such a mental relief that I nearly can't put into words how much it means to me. Her advice led me to see her passing as a beautiful event, not the fearful one I anticipated. Had she not taken the time to check on me in the wee hours of the night (when she was clearly not "on the clock") to offer this advice, and to guide me with her loving and generous heart, I would have missed the most meaningful 30 minutes of my life.

I don't think she knows what an impact she made for me. I don't believe my words would ever fully convey my appreciation and respect for her, but I think this DAISY Award would be a regular, visual reminder of her impact on her patients and families.