A love letter between rooms
At TriStar NorthCrest, compassionate care often goes beyond medical treatment — it’s about creating meaningful connections. Recently, one of those moments unfolded between two patients who share a lifelong love story.
James Edward Day Sr., affectionately known as “Butch,” was admitted after a fall while visiting his wife, Shirley, who was also a patient just a few floors away. As Butch awaited surgery, his thoughts were with Shirley. He asked several times about her well-being, a testament to their 58 years of marriage, soon to be 59.
Melissa Hewlett, a TriStar NorthCrest nurse, saw an opportunity to bring comfort to both patients.
“During my rounding, I asked him if he would like to send her a letter while he was waiting on the surgical team,” Melissa shared. “He told me he would love to but was unable to write it. I told him I would write it for him and all he had to do was tell me what he wanted it to say.”
Butch’s message was simple yet profound: he loved Shirley more today than yesterday, and she was the love of his life. Melissa delivered the letter to Shirley, who smiled from ear to ear as she heard the words. She hugged the note and said she would cherish it forever. Then, Shirley asked to send a reply.
In her letter, Shirley reminisced about their wedding day, the red dress Butch bought her and the blessings of their two children. Before Melissa left, Shirley shared a secret — she planned to surprise Butch with a wheelchair visit after his surgery. Melissa promised to help make it happen.
When Melissa returned to Butch with Shirley’s letter, his joy was unmistakable. He called Melissa a “God-sent angel” and said no one had ever done something so meaningful for them before.
Melissa reflected, “It’s these kinds of things that I love doing for my patients, moments that will stick with me and them forever.”
Healthcare is not only about treating illness, but also about caring for the heart. At TriStar NorthCrest, these acts of kindness are what make patient care truly extraordinary.