My husband and I would like to recognize Linda Elliott for the extraordinary care she has provided through HSHS Home Health Care. In our eyes, she is an exceptional nurse and a true representation of compassion, skill, and dedication.

My husband was admitted to the hospital earlier this year with a brown recluse spider bite and was hospitalized for seven days while receiving strong antibiotics. As the ER doctor said at the time, “We’re going to have to bring out the big guns for this, and you’ll be here for a few days.” Unfortunately, high-powered antibiotics can be very hard on sensitive stomachs. He was prescribed medication to help manage the side effects and was discharged with orders to continue the antibiotics at home.

Linda’s clinical skills, confidence, and professionalism were immediately reassuring to my husband. In addition to his recent illness, he also lives with Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT), a hereditary disorder that limits or eliminates mobility. He moves with the help of a lift chair and a scooter. Because of this, I never leave his side when he’s hospitalized. It’s simply not possible for him to “hop” out of bed and take care of his needs independently. At times, it can be difficult and stressful.

Adding to this hardship, my husband’s brother passed away not long after his hospitalization. His brother also had CMT and had courageously battled cancer for many years. My husband was still regaining his strength and was heartbroken that he could not make the long trip to attend his brother’s service.

And then in came Linda.

What a caring, comforting, and reassuring presence she has been. From the very first visit, she was like a breath of fresh air walking into our home. Her compassionate care exemplifies the kind of person patients and families are blessed to have in their lives. I don’t have enough words to express how deeply grateful we are for her services.

For the past eight weeks, Linda has been our “morning inspiration.” She often greeted us with warmth and joy, and her positive spirit brightened even the most difficult days. She and my husband discovered they had many mutual connections. It’s a small world, and Springfield is a big little city. Though my husband cannot walk, he loves to talk, and Linda was a wonderful listener who made him feel heard, understood, and appreciated. Her compassion and attentiveness made a profound impact on both of us.

Linda is thorough, highly competent, and deeply compassionate. She consistently goes the extra mile to do more, be more, and give more, making a meaningful difference in her patients’ lives. It’s clear that she is driven by a genuine desire to help others and make a positive impact in her community and beyond.

Linda’s ability to perform necessary lab work right in the comfort of our home was invaluable. We can’t express how much we appreciated her skill and efficiency. Drawing my husband’s blood is no easy task, but she succeeded on the first try when others often struggle. She was quick to follow up with results and always kept us informed. Her expertise shines through in everything she does.

Linda is truly an asset to HSHS Home Health Care. Her calm, joyful demeanor and professionalism put patients and families at ease, fostering genuine trust. She embodies the spirit of nursing with her kindness, skill, and enthusiasm for her work. Her laughter is contagious, her attitude uplifting, and her compassion immeasurable.

We miss Linda already. Thank you, Linda, for all that you do and for the spirit in which you do it. You have touched our hearts in ways that words cannot fully express.