Playing cupid for a patient on Valentine’s Day

Emma Dopheide, an occupational therapist at UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital, played cupid for one of her patients on Valentine’s Day.

After her patient had to spend almost two weeks in the rehab unit, he seemed particularly discouraged and distant that day.

She made it a priority to sit with him, engage in conversation and listen to his concerns. As they talked, Dopheide discovered the reason that her patient was feeling particularly sad: not only was he hospitalized on Valentine’s Day, but that day marked his 25th wedding anniversary.

“He really loved his wife. During our sessions, he spent so much time talking about her and all the things they have done together,” recalled Dopheide.

“I thought, ‘What could I do to support him?’ and came up with an idea to help him express his love and make the day special.”

Dopheide offered to walk the patient down to the hospital gift shop, where she used her money to purchase a sentimental card (since she knew he had no money with him).   He was elated by the offer and gratefully accepted.

The two spent time reading through cards and perusing options together until the patient laid eyes on a perfect card for the occasion.

“The card he picked out for his wife had mushrooms on it,” Dopheide said. “He saw it and said, ‘My wife loves mushrooms,’ so that was the obvious choice. It was so cute.”

Once they returned to the room, the patient went straight to work crafting his perfect 25th wedding anniversary and Valentine’s Day messages.

The patient’s wife came to visit later that day and was overwhelmed with emotion as she read through the loving message on the card.

“Meeting my patient’s wife after hearing about all of the love they have for each other was a highlight for me,” said Dopheide.

Her patient said Dopheide’s kindness made a huge difference to him. “The tears in (my partner’s) eyes spoke volumes about the impact of Emma’s selflessness. Knowing that someone understood my struggles and went above and beyond to facilitate such a meaningful gesture made a world of difference for both of us.”