It’s been a few years since I’ve seen her, but I’ll never forget “Grace”.  I don’t remember what her diagnosis was, or even her real name.  She had been in the hospital for a few days already when I heard of her.

It was the end of a tough week.  The supervisor made her rounds, and stayed a bit longer than usual.  She told me about this patient, an elderly lady, who I needed to visit.  I’m a labor and delivery nurse.  We didn’t make a habit of visiting patients; certainly not elderly patients on medical floors.  The supervisor told me “Go, you’ll be glad”.  So we went.

When we got to the room, there was a nurse just leaving.  As she went out, we walked in.  The woman was tiny, with thin white hair and an angelic smile.  As I walked to the bed she lit up, and cried “Well hello dear! Don’t you look lovely. Have you lost weight?  Surely you must have.  You look so nice”.

I think she was as we say “pleasantly confused”.  She was clearly delighted to see me, or whoever she thought I was.  I had a lovely visit with her.  She was so happy, and kind.  My whole night improved, all from a few insincere but well intended compliments.

Over the next couple of weeks I went to visit her several times.   She always seemed so happy to have a visit.  She gave compliments and smiles to all who came by.  She was very popular with the nurses.   I’m not sure if she ever had a single visit from an actual relative.  I’m very sure she had more visitors that the other patients.  Especially at night.

Eventually, “Grace” was discharged.  I really missed her.  She gave me so many lovely moments,  In addition to all the compliments, she gave me some important lessons.  The value of a compliment.  The power of a smile.  The importance of aging with grace.