Everyone has certain life experiences that are cherished memories; this is one of mine. The hospital in which I worked is a teaching hospital, meaning that we trained physicians, nurses, and paramedics. Annette was enrolled in the paramedic program. I would often have the paramedic students follow me around so I could teach them and involve them in interactions with patients.

On her first day in the ER, which was very busy, Annette accompanied me on my rounds. After a few hours, I made a comment about wishing that I could eat, which I could not do because the ER was too busy to allow me to go to the cafeteria. Annette then disappeared for several minutes. Walking into my office a short time later, I was astounded! The lights were off, and the room was illuminated by a flashlight that Annette had directed at the ceiling to simulate a candle. One of the tables was covered by a makeshift tablecloth—not exactly a stock appurtenance in an ER. Annette had china, silverware, napkins, salt and pepper shakers, and a smorgasbord of food covering the table. She also had a bouquet of fresh flowers, placed in a vase that she had improvised from the ER paraphernalia. Music played softly in the background. Gulp. I was so taken by what Annette had done, I probably would have asked her to marry me, if she were older.

Annette's impromptu dinner for two

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