The nurses, physicians, surgeons, and anesthesiologists had tears in their eyes when they spoke of the miracle that they witnessed that day. Many would not and could not leave the hospital until they knew that this patient was going to survive. I was one of the many that had the privilege of taking care of this remarkable patient and her family the days following her emergency. At first the family felt helpless. They didn’t know that their loving wife and mother could hear them. They were afraid to touch her, for fear of hurting her or disturbing one of the many tubes that were keeping her alive. We encouraged the children to talk to their mother. They soon realized that she would respond to their touch. Soon, they felt comfortable washing her face and telling her about their day. They would come in after school, after a game, or before a dance to say hello and share their day. Little by little the patient grew stronger, the family grew stronger, and the nursing staff grew stronger, because of them. The day finally came when the patient was strong enough to have the ventilator removed. Imagine, after all that the patient went through, her first words were "thank you". Nursing is not just a job. Patients and nurses, alike, sense the miracles that are performed each day in the care that we provide. The professionalism and teamwork that we show in providing excellence in care and compassion to patients and families is often overlooked as routine and ordinary. But it is these ordinary events that are the gift of nursing. I received a note from the family that reads, "There are times in our life when God gives us a clear vision and openness of heart to recognize the extraordinary in the ordinary. I sense that this is the ordinary way you go about your ways. You overwhelmed us with your extraordinary care. We will never forget the kindness, care, and love that you gave to us." What a great honor it was to learn just a short time ago that the patient’s eldest daughter plans to become a nurse.