Abbie Cox, Registered Nurse

My mom has been in the ICU several days now with no end in sight. My mom is losing hope and doesn't have much to smile about. I try to speak words of encouragement, but she and I have never had a great relationship.

Abbie has been her nurse on and off for several days. Every time she came in the room, my mom would light up and smile. After Abbie would leave, my mom would look at me and smile and say, "I really like her. She takes very good care of me."

Abbie doted on her. Abbie showed great patience, empathy, warmth, and kindness, not only to my mom but to me as well.

Here, the entire ICU staff saw my mom, cared for her, and treated her with dignity. They saw me, too. They offered me drinks. They asked how I was doing. They will never know how much that's appreciated.