I was working in Stepdown, caring for a gentleman who was very ill. Kim Foster was caring for his wife on another unit in the hospital. The wife was also very ill; however we were able to collaborate a meeting of the two lovers and their family. Father Dennis was also there to provide both of them sacrament of the sick. The tears in their eyes, after 50 plus years of marriage and now being separated by their health, it was a very special moment. These are the moments that nurses live for, being able to provide compassionate care. Kim didn't have to bring the wife down, but I'm glad she did. I later received the following message from the patient's family:
"On behalf of our family we would like to thank you for taking the time for getting our parents together for the last time. Our father passed away last week and our mother passed today. We will cherish their last time together forever. Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness".