I was working as a Patient Observation Partner for a one-on-one with a patient in the ICU for her asthma. This patient was on four-point restraints earlier in the day. She had a very strong character, but I could also see she was very broken inside, and I could tell that's where all her anger and frustration would come from. The patient was on her fourth day of admission; nurse Johanna Rivera came in with a bag of the patient's clothes she had taken home the night before to wash for her. Hours later, a volunteer comes in with a gift from the gift shop without indicating who it came from. It was a big fox teddy bear with goodies and no name. The patient was so surprised and shocked, saying she had no idea who could've bought her this. She was so happy. She kept stating she never felt so loved. She instantly told me she had a gut feeling it was her nurse, Johanna. Later that day, she asks Johanna, “Was this you?” Johanna hesitated momentarily and asked, “How did you know?” The patient tells her, "You have been so good to me; I knew it was you." Johanna briefly tells her that she doesn't know what she's been through but to keep pushing and know that she is loved no matter what anyone has told her.

I have never witnessed so much compassion and kindness in how Johanna spoke to this patient and truly showed her she was loved and cared for no matter who else wasn't in her life. I truly feel this patient will forever remember her thoughtfulness and her kindness. I was so moved by her kindness, and she even showed me how there are still good people in this world. I couldn't be more honored to witness that.