Many specialty services and nurses cared for a patient with prolonged hospitalization. After much discussion and support to the patient and family, the patient was transitioned to comfort care measures. The dying wish of the patient was to be assisted outside to “breathe real air and to feel the sunshine on my face." 

Jennifer Eckard, once aware of this wish, went above and beyond to make this happen for the patient and family. Once she was aware that the healing garden was not an option (it was going to rain), she took him to a covered area to fulfill a dying man’s wish. She picked flowers, sang songs with him, and shared pictures of him with the flowers with his family who unfortunately were not present. That must have been a very emotional time for all involved. 

I can not overstate what a gift you were able to give to that sweet patient. Knowing he died just a few hours later with that memory and experience makes his life and death more meaningful for all. Thank you for being such a special nurse and an example of the gift nurses bring every day to the patients we care for.