It was requested that I post this here after I posted on another subreddit.

I’m an emergency nurse and I often see people at their sickest or feeling their worst. Over a year ago I had a patient who had cancer and several other health issues. I spoke with him at length about his chess hobby (not a hobby of mine, but hearing his enthusiasm and letting him share that with someone else was great for both of us) and eventually we arrived at the fact that we both played Dungeons & Dragons. As I took him to his inpatient room and left back for the emergency department I found myself wishing I had a token of solidarity—I wished I’d had a d20 (a 20 sided die that is iconic to those who play D&D) on me to give him for luck or whatever.

I started carrying a d20 in my work bag the next shift. Months later I saw that patient’s name come up on our computer system. I went to his room to say hi and gave him the d20. He thought it was the coolest thing and I told him I started carrying those because of him. He got the very first one. I’ve given out three or four more since. One I gave to a patient with psychiatric issues and suicidal ideations who became tearful and told me it means a lot. I told him, and I’ve told everyone else that I’ve given them to, that they have to promise to use it the next time they play. I imagine that somewhere he’s made it through that dark time, found a little peace in life, and pulls up a chair with his friends before rolling with that d20.

Edit: Thank you all for the kind words. Thank you for the awards. Most of all, thank you so much for your inspiring stories! Keep spreading the nerd love with others!