Mother Moved By Nurse’s Compassion As She Walks In To Find Her Hugging Her Son Post-Surgery

Dec 30, 2022 by apost team

Five-year-old Slade Thompson had a tough year in 2019. He had been admitted to Williamsport, Pennsylvania's Susquehanna hospital for the second surgery he would have that year. That time, he was having his tonsils removed.

While her son was undergoing yet another surgery, Slade's mom was forced to keep herself busy by fidgeting in the waiting room as doctors performed the procedure on Slade. She could not help the anxiousness she felt and needed desperately to tell her son she loved and cared for him. She kept telling herself it would not be long before he could leave the hospital and go home with her. 

But once Slade awakened after surgery, Slade's mom Layla wasn't able to go in to see him straight away, as it was necessary for nurses to first check his vitals before allowing anyone in to see him, Layla included.

Annie Hager was one of the nurses that cared for Slade. She told Slade it would be a few more minutes before his mother could enter the room after he had asked for her.

When Layla was finally allowed into her son's room, the first sight she saw almost moved her to tears. Hager was right next to the boy and held him tightly in both arms to calm the fears he felt, as Slade was in tears, clearly scared and needing comfort.

Layla took a photo of the touching moment so that she could share it with the people in the room. The photo was later uploaded to Layla's Facebook account, where it was shared thousands of times and eventually went viral.

Hospital staff wrote on the hospital's Facebook page that comforting patients is as important to them as providing them with the highest level of medical care possible. The hospital commended Hager for the compassion she showed to Slade in a time of need. The post said:

"When Slade Thompson of Renovo woke up from tonsil surgery, all he wanted was to be snuggled and cared for. Not thinking twice, Annie Hager, RN, climbed right into the bed and snuggled the little boy."

It continued:

"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."

It's a testament to the care of the hospital and nurses like Hager, who go above and beyond to ensure patients are comforted while receiving medical care, which is often a time of uncertainty and anxiety for those involved and their families. 

Slade and Layla returned to the hospital weeks later to thank Hager after she had shown him such kindness. They even bought flowers and a gift for her. The hospital wrote in its post, "Annie's connection with Slade was so real that he brought her flowers at his follow up appointment." And, of course, Slade wanted to return the hugs she had given him.

This story is a reminder that we can all show compassion and kindness to the people around us, especially at a time when they might need it most. 

apost.com

Were you impressed with the compassion Annie Hager showed to Slade? Do you have any similar stories of medical professionals going above and beyond in a time of need? If this inspired you, send it to your friends and family to brighten their day too!