There was a patient on the 7th floor who had been in and out of the hospital and rehab since the fall. The man was in his 80s, and he and his wife had been married for 60+ years. He was nearing the end of life, and his wife was struggling with the decision to make him comfort care.

Their anniversary was coming up, and her birthday was two days later. The wife finally decided on comfort care, but was obviously upset at the timing. We were hopeful that he would make it to their anniversary date. Rachel had been assigned this patient for several days in a row. Rachel got to know the family and built a relationship with them. The wife trusted Rachel and the care she provided.

On the night of their anniversary, Rachel wanted their anniversary to be celebrated and take the wife's mind off the current circumstance. Rachel decorated the door of the room with balloons and bought a cake for her wife to celebrate their anniversary. Rachel went above and beyond to comfort the wife in a very sad, vulnerable time. She helped them celebrate what would be their very last anniversary.

I was the oncoming nurse the next morning, and the wife and son went out of their way to let me know how much they appreciated her act of kindness. On that day, I was reminded of how a simple act of kindness can briefly change what may be the hardest day of someone's life.