Touching Moment

As most of you know I am a nurse that works in the operating room. Back before Christmas we had a patient that had to come to the operating room many times, some times back to back days. He was not a happy man. Due to confidentiality issues I can't go into details, however I do wish to share today. One of the girls I work with realized that today is this man's birthday and he is STILL in the hospital. So she gathers myself and another girl up and talks us into taking the patient a card and stuffed animal and sing him happy birthday. She really didn't have to talk us into it, we were willing just fearful of the reception we would receive. Like I said he was a very unhappy, sick man before Christmas. Not receptive to much interaction.

So feeling a bit uneasy I joined them and off we went. We walked into the room which was dark. As we introduced our self (reminded him who we were) he turned on the light. I was amazed at the difference in him, he looked really good. Here's the best part:

As we gave him his card and gift he began to cry. He reached for the little stuffed animal and petted it as if it were real. Fighting tears I joined the others in singing happy birthday. As we left the room I thanked my friend profusely for allowing me to join her.

Such a small gesture that was so well received. This patient not only needed the human touch he wanted and appreciated it.

It's the small things, the unexpected kindness of others that touches so deeply. Today I was on the giving end and was touched just as deeply as I believe that patient was.