Yvette was obviously distraught as she stood by her mother’s side day after day at the inpatient unit in VITAS’ Dade program. She was 13 years old and looked right in fashion on this particular day. She was wearing her shirt inside out, and one of the VITAS nurses complimented her on her stylishness.

“Nah,” replied Yvette , “I haven’t been home for a few days, and my clothes are all dirty; so I just turned my shirt inside out. All my clothes at home are dirty, too!”

The nurse decided it was time for a shopping trip. She and Yvette went out to the nurse’s car and headed off to the nearest mall. They returned a couple of hours later. Yvette had picked out a pretty new outfit and had showered at the nurse’s home.

Yvette’s mother smiled brightly as her daughter stood by her bed in her new outfit. The smile was all the thanks the nurse wanted.

A few days later, Yvette wore the same outfit to her mother’s funeral. When Yvette’s new shopping partner arrived to share her condolences, Yvette gave her a big hug.