Simple things like hugs matter the most when someone is in need of love. That’s even more the case with children who understand snuggles and care as much as comforting words.
In a recent picture going viral on social media, a nurse in Philadelphia is seen comforting a distressed 5-year-old who just woke up from surgery.
Slade Thompson of Renovo had just had surgery to remove his tonsils. He was obviously distraught when he woke up and “all he wanted was to be snuggled and cared for.”
Nurse Annie Hager gave the little boy the most comforting hug. She “climbed right into the bed and snuggled the little boy,” said the post of May 7.
The Facebook post was paying tribute to nurses on the National Nurse Week that’s celebrated annually from May 6 till May 12.
“As a nurse, providing care is one thing, but making sure our patients are calm and comfortable matters just as much. It’s nurses like Annie–who show true compassion–that keep our patients happy. During Nurses Week, we thank our nurses for taking time to make personal connections with patients. Annie’s connection with Slade was so real that he brought her flowers at his follow up appointment,” the viral Facebook said.
People have responded with appreciation for Hager’s empathy for her patients.
Responders particularly pointed at the nurse’s compassionate heart. “Annie I’m so proud of the beautiful, compassionate young woman you have become. What a heart you have for nursing!” commented Kathy Stauffer.
“My father was in for surgery recently and he was lucky enough to have Annie as his nurse in recovery. Not surprised to see her going above and beyond for others as she did for him. Thanks so much Annie! You are the best at what you [do]!” said Jennifer Heimer-Conrad.
Other Heroes
In another recent incident, a picture of a firefighter comforting a little girl after a crash in California also went viral.
A mother along with her two young daughters and another adult family member were involved in the crash in San Diego. A big rig had crossed into oncoming traffic, leading to the crash, NBC San Diego reported.
Video footage showed Heartland Fire & Rescue Department firefighter paramedic Ryan Lopez holding a 4-year-old girl as he carried her away from the wreckage, according to the report.
Lopez, who was wearing his firefighter gear, could be seen holding the girl and rocking her. He then carried the girl over to the fire engine and put her down to give her a drink of water. She sustained only minor injuries.
Lopez told the NBC affiliate that he’s just learning to be a dad to his own 2-month-old daughter, but knew the best thing to do for the girl was provide comfort.
“She really just wanted to hang on and just feel safe,” he said of the girl. “It’s not something I would ever seek out to take any recognition for.
“I know someone else in my same position would’ve done the same thing.”
He said what he did is a routine part of his job.
“Keeping her distracted was my ultimate goal and making her feel safe,” Lopez told Fox5.
“I think her expression of gratitude and the look on her face that she felt safe–I could tell it was better with me holding her and keeping her close to me so I could talk to her while we waited for the ambulance to transport her up to the hospital.”
The girl’s mother also suffered only minor injuries, but her 6-year-old sister was rushed to Rady Children’s Hospital with a broken neck, NBC reported.
Two people identified as Nancy Bauerlein, 57, of Santee and her daughter, Jennifer Thompson-Campbell, 29, were also killed in the incident when the same rig crashed into their Chevy.
Epoch Times reporter Jack Phillips contributed to the report.
