Heather was my saving grace when I was in Neuro ICU for two weeks after a sudden onset aneurysm bleed. My life was turned upside down in an instant, while on vacation 1,200 miles from home. My husband was able to fly in but other than him, Heather was my constant. To say I was at my weakest, lowest, scariest, most vulnerable point in my life would be an understatement. Sicker than sick, dark room, beeping IVs, potty seat, meds galore, painful IV lines, constant tests, unbearable pain, unshowered, hospital attire, so much waiting, so many unknowns.
In my haze after surgery, I knew I liked Heather immediately. Not sure if it was her smile, her calming spirit or the fact that she was the one administering my pain meds. She was my rock. Heather was my nurse 10 of the 14 days I was in ICU. Thank the Lord she kept returning, day after day, after day, after day. When I thought things could not get worse, they would again and again.
Heather would be there to reassure me, explain events and answer questions. As many times as I pushed that dang call button, she calmly appeared. I never felt like a burden, I never felt like I was asking too many questions or being annoying. Even on day 9 when I puked all over 10 minutes into her shift (she had to change into the scrubs of shame), Heather kept coming back, still
As awful as my summer was, I will remember it as a summer of great love and kindness from complete strangers.
One of those strangers, Heather, will be in my heart forever.