An Act of Kindness Can Change a Life

After more than 10 hours in the ER getting care and waiting for a bed, my husband and I were brought up to the 4th floor at Bronson Methodist Hospital.

Carrie Hart, RN, said she would assist us, because she wanted Ethan to be able to take a break. My husband was so hungry and asked if he could get something to eat. Even though it was late at night, Carrie went right to work and found him a sandwich and warmed it up because he has difficulty chewing food.

She then addressed my husband's care needs. His feet and legs were all purple and scaly because of not getting enough oxygen.

My husband eyes were glazed and staring blankly because of his dementia. Usually, he is easily dismissed because most people do not get to know how kind he can be.

Carrie told my husband and I to care for his feet and legs by rubbing a baby oil over his scaly feet and discolored legs.

Suddenly, my husband eyes began to glimmer as there was a recognition of the wonderful care that he was getting from Nurse Carrie.

His eyes lit up as he thanked her for her kindness, and said he was sorry to be such a bother, and I will never forget her response: She told my husband that he was not a bother at all and it was an honor and a privilege to serve him. She then dressed him and powdered his wounds and wrote a note with a heart on it to remind him he was loved and cared for.

Nurse Carrie also took good care of me as well since I was going to be staying the night in my husband's room. She got us warm blankets and pillows, and also got out extra towels and wash cloths in case I wanted to take a shower.

I cannot express in words what that act of kindness meant in my husband and my life. A huge thank you!

Carrie Hart, RN, is a nurse on the general medical unit at Bronson Methodist Hospital. She is the recipient of the 2025 Q2 DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. To nominate a Bronson nurse for the DAISY Award, visit bronsonthankanurse.com.