When it comes to hospitals no one likes stepping foot inside of them.
But for kids… it’s even worse.
It’s an unfamiliar place, they don’t feel well, and sometimes, they have to undergo painful surgery.
It’s no wonder children are afraid of hospitals.
For a child in the hospital, having a parent around is a great source of comfort.
But unfortunately, moms and dads can’t always be there.
That’s when special nurses can step in to save the day.
That’s what happened at UPMC Susquehanna Health
A little boy named Slade Thompson was at the hospital in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
Due to some health issues, he’d undergone two surgeries within a short amount of time.
Even though the doctors took good care of him, the surgeries were still a tough ordeal.
He even had to use a wheelchair after the first operation.
His second surgery was also difficult
The second surgery Slade had was also tough.
As part of the operation, the doctors had to cauterize his adenoids, tonsils, and both sides of his nose.
While the surgery was successful, Slade still had to come out of anesthesia.
He was about to wake up
Slade’s nurse explained that kids don’t usually wake up from anesthesia feeling very happy.
That makes sense considering they might still be in pain.
It can also be a disorienting experience.
As for Slade, everyone just wanted to make sure he’d be okay.
Slade’s mom was gone when he woke up
All of a sudden, Slade woke up.
It didn’t take him long to realize his mom wasn’t there with him.
When he noticed she was gone, he started to get upset.
His nurse stepped in
Slade’s nurse, Annie Hager, quickly realized Slade was crying.
She didn’t want to see him upset, especially since he’d just come out of surgery.
So, she went over to him to determine what she could do to help him feel better.
Hager held him during his mom’s absence
The nurse had to tell the little boy his mom couldn’t be there at the time.
He was so upset he asked Hager if she could snuggle him since his mom couldn’t.
Without hesitation, she said yes.
Slade’s mom walked in on the adorable scene
After a short period, Slade’s mom returned to her little boy’s room.
She was moved by the fact that the nurse was comforting her son in such a caring and loving way.
Her immediate reaction was to take a picture so she could remember the moment forever.
To Hager, it wasn’t a big deal
While it might seem as though Hager went above and beyond, she doesn’t view it that way.
For her, it’s all just a part of the job.
She said, “I don’t post things very often but this little guy touched my heart, and his mama’s beautiful kind words and actions have brought tears to my eyes twice now!” [sic].
A surprise “thank you”
Slade and his mom wanted Hager to know just how much her actions meant to them.
So, they went back to the hospital to see her.
Slade wanted to give his new best friend a hug and some flowers.
It was Hager’s day off
Maybe the best part of the story is that Hager wasn’t even supposed to be at work that day.
But at the last minute, she got called in.
She almost didn’t get to make this sweet connection with a little boy who wanted to say “thank you.”
Hager is one of those nurses that makes everyone feel better despite being in a hospital.
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Source: Bored Daddy, Instagram
