Yesterday, May 9th, I was walking towards the exit of my jam-packed commuter train when, across from me, two women facing me stopped abruptly. The woman in front looked shocked. I gestured, “Please, go ahead, I’m a little slower.” After a long pause, she replied, “I know you.” I was surprised and then panicked as I scanned her face. I had no clue who she was. Did I work with her, treat her? As we stepped out, I asked her, “I’m sorry, where do we know each other from.” She smiled, “You don’t remember me, do you? I know you from Yale New Haven.” I struggled to think of the floors I worked on until I asked, “The ICU?” She nodded, “Yes, I took care of you.” I was stunned. “It’s been ten years, you remember me?” She nodded. “I’m sorry I don’t remember much initially after the surgery, but thank you for everything you did. I can’t believe you remember me.” She was quiet, staring at me. Smiling. She said, “I remember you, you look great. I’m so happy for you; you’re doing so well.” We parted ways, but I’ve had a smile on my face and joy in my heart thinking of this fantastic nurse who took care of me at such a vulnerable time in my life and remembered me. I teach my students that we don’t stop caring for our patients because our shift is over. We think of them, pray for them, and even ten years later, we remember them.

Thank you to all the Nurses, especially those I have worked with and those who helped me recover these past ten years.

#Happynursesweek!

PS I regret not asking her, but I hope I was nice to her.