Welcome to Milkweed and Monarchs! I’m Dawn Klem, and today, I’m sharing a story that taught me a lesson I’ll carry for life. It’s about Foster—a patient I met while working as a nurse on a small medical-surgical unit at Cape Cod Hospital.

When I first encountered Foster, he was angry—yelling, frustrated, and unsettled. But as I got to know him, I realized that beneath the frustration was something much deeper: fear. He was facing surgery, alone, and uncertain about his future. What I didn’t know at the time was that his greatest worry wasn’t for himself—it was for his wife, who was battling Alzheimer’s and relying on him to care for her.

This episode is about assumptions, the power of listening, and the unexpected impact we can have on someone’s life. It’s about a man who turned out to be more than just a patient—he was an artist, a devoted husband, and a person whose kindness left an imprint on my heart. And yes, there’s a painting involved—one with a hidden message that I didn’t fully understand until years later.

So join me as I unpack this story, reflect on its meaning, and share what Foster taught me about seeing beyond first impressions.