Our Stories - Life is Precious

Today We Celebrate You
Lori Gillis

Dec, 2015

When Lori Gillis, RN, was assigned to Nancy Fester, the two developed a strong bond, and Lori looked forward to all of her visits with Nancy.

Shortly after she was assigned to work with Nancy, Lori noticed that Nancy's birthday was on October 22, the same day as her mother's birthday. Although October had always been Lori's favorite month, fall had been difficult for Lori over the past few years. Eight years ago, Lori's mother died unexpectedly in the fall, and the anniversary of her birthday was always difficult for Lori.

Most years, Lori works on October 22 to keep her mind occupied, but this year, she decided to do something different. After some light detective work, she learned that Nancy's favorite type of cake was chocolate, and she took the day off to make a cake for her. She made a triple chocolate birthday cake with chocolate icing and sprinkles. Lori enjoyed being able to once again make a birthday cake and plan a fun day to celebrate such a sweet woman.

When Lori arrived with the cake, the look on both Nancy and her husband's faces was priceless. She also brought a birthday card, matching birthday hats, plates and napkins, and a purple lei for Nancy to wear.

Lori is not sure who got more out of the day; Nancy or herself. In her job as a hospice nurse, so many patients and their families thank Lori for what she does for them, but on October 22, she had to thank Nancy for making her day. Lori is continually inspired by the kind but also strong spirits of her patients who never give up, and she feels that she gets more from her patients than they ever get from her.