Hospital worker’s mother spreads Valentine cheer

LEAMINGTON — A local mom, whose daughter is an ICU nurse at Erie Shores HealthCare, spread some cheer for hospital employees last week.

Michelle Riess, who works at Kingsville High School, created about 50 Valentine greetings and stuck them on random cars in the employee parking lot.

“She’s always behind the scenes and tries to do things in secret,” said her daughter, Erica Cassidy. “Throughout this entire pandemic she has been a support system to not only myself, but everyone around here, even when she has been dealing with her own struggles.”

Cassidy says her mom has always gone above and beyond for her unit, South ICU. She’s made care packages, letters and scrub hats.

Valentine greetings at Erie Shores HealthCare appeared courtesy of Michelle Riess.

Photo submitted.

She attempted to keep the Valentine fete secret, but a patient noticed someone out the window and brought it to Erica’s attention.

“I looked out and saw my moms bright red coat as she placed a sign on my car window,” she said. “I was overwhelmed with emotions —as were a lot of people — and I was full of tears.”

All of the decorating was done at her own expense, and she told her daughter that she bought every foam heart that the store had, and wishes they’d had more.

Cassidy says that she’s always been a person who does random acts of kindness, not only for front line workers, but for her students, co-workers and friends.

“I am continuously blown away by her strength and warm-hearted soul,” she added. “I am very proud to call her my mom and hope others are inspired during this difficult time.”