“Kevin refused to make cancer the meaning of his days. . . . He showed me that the smallest gesture has the possibility to create expansive love. His kindness reminded many of the patients that they hadn’t lost value and worth, no matter how humbled they had been by cancer.”

That’s from the lovely Reflections essay in the new (April) issue of AJN and is written by nurse Barbara Adams. The article recounts a memorable Easter episode on the oncology unit in which a 26-year-old firefighter demonstrates a different kind of bravery and selflessness.

Bringing ‘kindness to the spaces of vulnerability and fragility.’

This young man’s generosity of spirit—and sheer love of life—leave a lasting impression on the author, who writes, “He showed me how to open my heart, how to bring kindness to the spaces of vulnerability and fragility.”

“Easter Egg Hunt on the Oncology Unit” is free until April 13. It’s just a page, so give it a read, and share your own thoughts or stories as comments below.