My 76-year-old grandfather (gramps) had a massive unexpected heart attack and was flown in by med flight to Baptist Health from another facility and was a patient at Baptist for two days. Gramps was intubated and not doing good and it seemed like every time we spoke to doctors something else was going wrong. When the night shift came in the day shift nurse was telling us how amazing the night shift nurse was and that Gramps was in great hands. They were so right. Donya was by our sides explaining medical things we didn't understand and always stopping by our private family room to give us updates. I remember getting the call from my mom at 4 am that things weren't going our way and Gramps just couldn't fight any longer. Sadly it was time to say goodbye to a husband, dad, and grandfather we love so much. Donya held our hands while we cried and she cried with us saying that she could just see and feel all the love our family has for Gramps and just how much of a special man he was. I struggled very much with having to let Gramps go and I didn't want my last time seeing him be him intubated and wires and drips everywhere but I wanted to say goodbye. I decided to close my eyes and while my other family members were too distraught to help me say goodbye, Donya helped walk me over to his bed and told me she was putting his hand in mine and that I could say whatever I needed to say and that he was listening. I said my goodbyes but before I left I wanted to give him a hug and a kiss so I kept my eyes closed and hugged him and then Donya helped guide my head to give Gramps one last kiss goodbye. I will never forget that day for many reasons, most being sad and painful but I will also remember that day because of the kindness and compassion that Donya showed me and my family while we had to say goodbye to our loved one. Donya is hands down the best nurse. I've told Donya thank you a million times but I still feel like she deserves a million more. Donya is a true DAISY Nurse to me and my family.

Note: This is Donya's 2nd DAISY Award!