I had gone into the hospital for a cardiac catheterization in the morning, expecting to return home unscathed that afternoon. However, there was a complication that resulted in my spending a night in the ICU (where I went into extended v-tach) and a second surgery the next day. I was released to the Cardiac Progress Unit, where Jenna was my nurse.

My children came from all over the globe (Illinois, Anchorage, and Central Africa) to be with me after things went south. I had become aware during the second surgery that it was hard for me to expand my chest to breathe. I mentioned it in the OR. I mentioned it in recovery. And I mentioned it to Jenna, who, to my memory and my children's, was the first person to put a stethoscope on my back and to listen to my lungs.

She found fluid, called an attending, and insisted on an X-ray. It showed an enlarged heart and significant fluid there. They instituted diuretics, and it cleared efficiently. I, even on oxygen, had reached the point of panting, of being unable to speak a short sentence without gasping, and of turning gray. I was extremely grateful.

The next day, my highly empathic four-year-old grandson visited me. He had spent five uncomfortable days in the ICU for a respiratory condition a few months ago, and it was abundantly clear he was being triggered by the hospital, and probably my appearance. He would not come near me.

Jenna showed up during the visit with a lavender-scented stuffed animal in a gift bag. Suddenly, he grinned and rushed right to me to show me the critter, and we sniffed it together. It was an immediate turnaround. This nurse had the sensitivity to know what was needed emotionally, acted on it graciously, and gave generously. Jenna provided excellent medical care during my stay. She also went above and beyond to address the knowledge gaps and emotional needs of both me and my family. I was impressed. I am grateful.