My husband was a patient at the University of Chicago, Cardio-Vascular ICU. By Tuesday, we were told my husband was a very sick man. His facial color was grayish throughout the morning. There was talk of his legs being amputated and concerns about his kidney function. It wasn’t a good morning.

On that day, we had Ryan as our nurse. Ryan was kind, caring, and thoughtful. When Ryan came into the room, he assessed my husband and talked to him, explaining everything that was being done, even though he was not awake or responsive. Ryan talked with the doctors, and while they were troubleshooting a problem with the machines, Ryan made some suggestions that could contribute to resolving the issues. He also suggested that my husband receive some blood.

After the blood was given, the color in my husband’s face went from a grayish color to a much healthier color by the end of the day. Ryan not only took care of my husband, but he also took care of me. I learned he was from a town in Michigan, where I’d lived for years and still have family there. It was a nice, common bond we shared. Ryan remained very thoughtful and kind throughout the day. He explained everything that was happening in a language I could understand.

On Sunday, it was decided that if there were no improvements with my husband, steps would be taken on Monday to remove him from the support he was on. My sister had been with me at the hospital since Tuesday. She met Ryan, and we both knew how special he was. My sister remembered that Ryan would be back to work on Monday and asked the nurse on Sunday if it was possible for us to have Ryan be our nurse on Monday.

On Monday, Ryan was there. He came in and gave me a big hug and told me he had been thinking about me all weekend. I told him that I had requested him and apologized, telling him it would be a bad way to start out his day. His comment to me was that he wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. Ryan explained to us the procedure of what was going to happen and how my husband was going to respond. Ryan held my hand, prayed with us, and sang with us when the chaplain was there to visit. Ryan is truly something special. He was compassionate, kind, and caring to all of us.

After my husband took his final breath, Ryan hugged me and didn’t let go until I was ready to let go. I am nominating Ryan for the DAISY Award because he not only took great care of my husband, but he also made the worst time in my life somewhat bearable. Ryan is one of a kind, and I will always remember him and what he did for us. Thank you.