Wilson Medical Center means so much to Ralph Pierce Jr.. Despite a recent health scare of his own, being cared for by staff brought back memories of his favorite Wilson Medical Center nurse – his mother, Helen Rivers Pierce.

Mrs. Pierce was an LPN at Wilson Medical Center for 27 years. She worked nights, and was known for her compassionate care, which included words of assurance and prayers for her patients.

The care Ralph received inspired him to drop off daisy bouquets for three separate nursing units.

“Nurses hold a special place in my family,” Ralph said. “This honored my mom, too. Nurses provide a service. I don’t downplay doctors and therapists – they are all part of it. LPNs and CNAs are all part of a team.”

Ralph’s brother and sister were also patients at Wilson Medical Center in the past. Susan Pierce, whom he affectionately called “Sister,” also received care that Ralph believed to be top notch.

His memories of the hospital are numerous, including helping his mom study for exams (she began nursing school at age 50) and joining his parents for delicious meals in the cafeteria. In fact, Ralph still has a picture of his parents holding hands and walking near some trees on the hospital’s campus.

“The nurses here are caring and kind,” Ralph said. “I tell them all, ‘You aren’t in it for the money. You are in the position because you love people.’ That’s also why I shared the daisies. I needed this, too.”