Jeff Rhode had minutes to spare while working his way from the 6th floor to the second, the ICU when he stumbled upon Brenda "taking a much needed break."
The health care worker was on a phone call staring at the New York City skyline, Rhode said.
"After a polite 'hello' she told me: 'It's not a sunny day, but it is a great day,' with a smile," the photographer said. "The first patient since the craziness started two weeks ago had been extubated -- a milestone."
The breathing tube had been removed.
The patient told Brenda how M&Ms were her weakness, and seemed happy, Rhode wrote.
"Thinking about this day is the first time I've actually broken down," Rhode said.
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