A note to Casey from her patient's son:

Dear Casey,

You were my mother's nurse on several occasions during her stay in ICU at Seton Medical Center in 2013. More recently, you were the nurse of my friend whom I'm happy to say is home and doing much better. My mother was admitted into Seton Medical Center on July 29, 2013 and remained there until her death, the morning of August 27, 2013, when the combined effects of myeloma, chemotherapy, and an emergency gastrointestinal surgery finally took their toll. I thought that the anniversary of her death would be an appropriate time to finally write some letters of appreciation which were so long overdue.

I cannot imagine more compassionate or professional care than that which she received by the staff at Seton. My family and I are especially grateful for the personal interest you showed in my mother's care. According to my notes, you were my mother's nurse on August 9th, 10th and 11th, which happened to fall on a Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The previous Sunday, my mother had undergone emergency gastrointestinal surgery. In the aftermath, her mental function was impaired to the point that she was unable to speak or recognize family or friends. On Saturday, August 10th my mother, though still unable to speak, showed significant signs of improvement. Her eyes followed anyone who moved about the room. She nodded when asked a question, though not always appropriately. And she smiled at whomever she looked at. From your first day as her nurse, Casey, you constantly talked to my mother and smiled at her. I cannot help but think that the attention you gave her had something to do with her improvement. Later that morning, I stepped out of the room while you prepared to turn my mother, and make some other adjustments to improve her comfort. The recent improvements to my mother's mental state had everyone feeling a little better.

That feeling was shattered at once when I heard your voice from inside the room yell her name. Alarms, sounded, and lights flashed. Members of Seton's emergency team could not have moved with greater speed or sense of urgency as they rushed into the room. Someone running past me yelled, "call the chaplain!" Someone else was on top of my mother applying electric shock to her naked body. I felt that this was it, and unprepared. The sudden turn of fortune seemed cruel and too much too bear. But calm was restored sooner than one would have expected, and assurances were given that my mother was out of danger. And while the pace of my own heartbeat was still returning to normal, you pulled backed the curtain to her room and told me -smiling- that I could "come in now". My mother had been turned over and was resting comfortably; as though the recent event had never happened.

You possess a rare, generous spirit that is life enhancing, Casey. My mother's suffering was made a little easier to bear because you cared. Your own smiling nature made her smile even through her pain. I hope this letter will serve as testament that the work you do is sacred and not forgotten. That you are making a real difference in people's lives, and helping those whose time it is to cross over, do so with dignity. I saw many outstanding nurses during the month that my mother spent at Seton, and again during Charles' stay; but you, Casey, stood head and shoulders above them all. I regret that it has taken me a whole year to write this letter. But the sentiments expressed here are felt no less because of that delay. Nor are they likely to be in the years to come.

Thank you.