“Get some rest,” Patricia Hamilton, Broward LPN, said to Katherine, John’s beloved wife of 41 years. Katherine, who in all these years had never lived apart from John, also was a resident at the facility and slept in the bed next to him.

“I’ll wake you if there are any changes in his condition,” Patricia said in a caring, motherly way.

Katherine wanted nothing more than to be by John’s side during his final moments … to say, “I love you” and give him one final kiss and hug goodbye.

A compassionate soul, Patricia agreed to stay with the couple through the night to monitor John’s condition. As the sun rose, Patricia knew there was little time for last-minute kisses and woke Katherine as she had requested.

Katherine’s own disability, however, prevented her from walking to John’s bedside. But at this early morning hour, there was no wheelchair handy.

Patricia rushed to rally assistance from nursing home staff, but returned to the room alone— prepared to carry Katherine to John herself. Moments later, staff arrived to assist. Katherine was moved close to John and managed to caress and hold the love of her life one last time.

Days later, at John’s memorial service, Katherine shared with loved ones how Patricia’s gesture made a difference in her last memories of John.

“Advocating for the terminally ill is just one great reason to work at VITAS… providing choices, improving quality of life and performing exceptional acts of kindness, the value of which cannot be measured,” said Patricia.