My brother recently had a very unplanned stay in the CICU of St. Elizabeth (Edgewood). We are thankful, beyond words, that he is now doing much better. While I am sure that there were many hands working together for his care, one nurse stood out above the crowd. (Again, we are thankful for them all, but want to bring some highlights to your attention.) Heather deserves to be recognized. Our mother was a nurse and we know, firsthand, how demanding a nurse’s job is. They are caring for the health and lives of people that they don’t even know (usually). When I would call for updates, Heather’s reports were the ones I came to hope for. She was patient and willing to give me the details I would continue to ask for. Her compassion came through in her dealings with me as well as the encouragement and care she showed to my brother. She took time to explain the reasons for, and the importance of, his part in his recovery. (When a patient understands the “why” they are better able to understand.) Encouraging him to eat, drink, change his position frequently, etc. These details mattered. When family and friends are not able to visit (for encouraging as well as advocating for the patient), the care that the nurses give can make it or break it. Compassion matters. Dedication matters. Details matter. Attitude matters. Diplomacy matters. Manners matter. Medical knowledge matters. We are very thankful for Heather (as well as the others) and hope that each of the nurses realizes what an important role they play. They touch individual lives every day and therefore they help to shape this world. May they always be dedicated to their calling.