Manju Aryal Pokharel, BSN, RN

I would like to commend Manju Aryal Pokharel because of the kindness, compassion, and professionalism she showed both my mother and me during one of the most difficult weeks our family has experienced.

I will admit that Manju and I did not get off to the easiest start. When I first met her, I was exhausted, worried, and extremely protective of my mother. My mom had suffered a terrible fall, breaking her femur in four places as well as her hip and pelvis, and had undergone major surgery. I had been at her side throughout her hospitalization, and by the time I met Manju, I was stressed and on high alert about every aspect of my mother's care. I was stern with her during our first interaction.

What means so much to me is how Manju responded.

She never became defensive or treated me differently because of that first interaction. Instead, she remained completely professional, kind, patient, and understanding. Over the time she cared for my mother, she went out of her way to include me in what was happening. She made sure I understood what was being done and that I was comfortable with my mother's care. She listened to my concerns and never made me feel as though I was a nuisance for asking questions or wanting to be involved.

Little by little, she put me at ease.

That may sound like a small thing, but it wasn't. When someone you love is hurt, frightened, and completely dependent on other people, being able to trust the person caring for them means everything. Manju understood that she wasn’t only caring for my mother; she was dealing with a scared and exhausted daughter who desperately wanted to make sure her mom was okay. She gave me the reassurance I needed through her actions, not simply her words.

What I will remember most happened on our last night at the hospital. I had fallen asleep in my mother's room, and before Manju left, she took the time to wake me up just so she could tell me goodbye.

She didn't have to do that. Her shift was over. We were simply one family among all the patients and families she cares for. But by then, we had developed a relationship that was so different from that first interaction, and that small act meant more to me than she probably realized. I went from being unsure of Manju to being genuinely grateful when I knew she was caring for my mom.

I especially appreciate the grace and professionalism she showed me after our first meeting. She could easily have written me off as a difficult family member. Instead, she seemed to understand where my sternness was coming from. She met my fear and protectiveness with patience, compassion, and kindness, and she earned my trust.

There are many things about my mother's hospitalization that I would rather forget. However, Manju is one of the things I want to remember.

Thank you, Manju, for taking care of my mom, for making sure I was included, for understanding me even when I wasn't at my best, and for taking a moment at the end of your last shift with us to wake me up and say goodbye. I will always appreciate the kindness you showed both of us.