My mom is a firm believer that angels enter our lives to help us wade through rough waters. I never took her seriously, until now.

This weekend was hell. I found myself in the all too familiar surroundings of Saint Joe's ER.

The majority of the ordeal remains a blur. I was hooked up to machines and dealing with a mixture of other drugs and professionals. But out of the haze, one young man went from being another passing face to someone whom I knew by name — just because he took the time to care.

This was a person who wasn't being paid and more than likely was nameless to others in the high paced ER. He was there because he wanted to be, and it is he to whom I attribute my current hospital discharge status. But unfortunately, his shift ended before I was discharged, leaving me unable to thank him.

To the young man who left worrying about all the bad things he witnessed that evening: know that the world is a better place because you take the time to volunteer. Realize that you will be a great doctor because you take the time to care.

To the young man who stole a sticker for me, thank you. Sometimes stickers offer a relief to pain that no other drug can claim.

To the young man who offered my worried buddies candy and coloring books as they waited in the waiting room, thank you. In that one action, you gave them more than just a coloring book. You calmed fears and reassured hope.

To the young man who asked me if I wanted a drink and remembered that I said yes, thank you.

To the young man who asked questions instead of assuming, I admire your ability to grasp knowledge. Through listening to your patients, you will learn timeless lessons that cannot be taught in textbooks.

To the young man who wasn't scared to attach a personality to the patient: thank you for allowing me to be a person instead of just another medical file. Thank you for allowing me to become your friend, and thank you for becoming mine.

Thank you for being yourself, and for not allowing the overwhelming aspects of medicine to overshadow life's little miracles.

Thank you to the young man who was "just doing his job." You warmed my heart in the coldest room, on the coldest bed, just by being you. It makes me smile to know that you would have done it for anybody who walked into the emergency room. It makes me proud to know you do it for patients everyday.

And, most importantly, to the young man who made me forget about how miserable being in the hospital was — I thank you. Your kindness and compassion gave me the strength to grow stronger and heal. I will never forget you, and I will pray for your continued success and happiness.

I have learned that beautiful and giving people are all around us. Humanity becomes visible through the thoughts, words, actions and deeds of those special souls. The unselfish givers of love and of themselves — they spread joy wherever they go and inspire other to follow in their footsteps, multiplying those angels who walk among us.

Recalling my weekend, I realize how much worse it could have been. Mom was right: sometimes an angel enters when we least expect it, and our lives are touched forever. This young man is living proof.

Thank you, my angel.

• Thank you ...