I have known Mercy for many years and have personally witnessed multiple patient interactions in which she transmits a sense of sincere concern, empathy, and healing communication.

She listens wholeheartedly and without judgment and allows patients to express their feelings and concerns. Her gentle gaze and warm smile convey compassion and understanding and results in patients feeling they have been heard and validated.

On a particular day while rounding on patients on the Oncology Unit, a department which she has managed for several years, I witnessed Mercy in action as she is often seen, zipping from one patient/staff member to another, putting out fires all along the way.

I witnessed Mercy walking arm-in-arm with a long-time cancer patient’s wife, who was notably tearful and distraught. I overheard words of encouragement and consolation while the wife simply nodded gently and wept.

Once they reached the end of the hall, they stopped with their hearts facing each other, and Mercy embraced her as she buried her face in Mercy’s shoulder with a sense of relief and momentary solace.

The moment was completely heart-warming, genuine, and even caused a big lump in my throat as I sighed to myself.

Then, just moments later, as I walked down the hall, I see Mercy now in another one of our cancer patient’s rooms, placing a warm blanket over the patient who was due to receive chemotherapy at any moment, greeting him warmly with a “Welcome back!”.

Just as all those moments were observed, I then saw Mercy walking down the hall with conviction, stating, “Has anyone seen the Language Line? Dr. A needs it….”

Wow! All in a morning’s work for this department manager, and yet still, she smiles, greets staff and patients/families warmly, never missing a beat as she carries on her day joyfully and with pride in her unit.

Mercy- thank you for your endless commitment to nurturing a safe and positive work environment and a place where patients appreciate the care they receive.

I know it is often thankless work, and you do it all out of the goodness of your heart and always with integrity, but I want you to know that it always counts and it does not go unnoticed. You leave an indelible mark on all of those you meet.

May God continue to bless you with this loving spirit.