Rosie Garcia, “an angel, my angel,” as my mom referred to her, immediately after Rosie came into her room to assist her with whatever my mom needed. My mom suffered what we would soon learn was a traumatic event after routine surgery. It was during surgery that her esophagus was ruptured during intubation. A few hours after being discharged home my mom found herself being rushed by my dad here to Adventist Health Tulare. Care was swift and immediate. The doctor and his team worked rapidly to provide immediate care to my mom.

Hours later, my mom’s condition was getting worse, and she was feeling a lot of pain. The bed was uncomfortable, she was gagging on her spit which was full of tiny little air bubbles that seemed to make breathing harder for her. The tear in her esophagus made it even harder for her to cough it up and out of her throat, or even speak, for that matter. My mom was getting antsy and looking for someone to provide her with some relief. Her back was causing her a tremendous amount of pain, we would later learn it was due to an infection that taking root in the pleural space around her lungs. It was a few hours before midnight and in comes Rosie like a bright shining light. It was like Rosie knew exactly what my mom wanted without her ever having to speak a word. Rosie traded out the ER bed for a more comfortable medsurg bed. My mom had been asking for water or something to soothe her lips but wasn’t given anything. Rosie got her a bottle of water and what we referred to as pink and green lollipops that my mom could wet her lips with. Rosie let her swoosh water around her mouth and spit it back out. Rosie immediately noticed the strain my mom was having with clearing her throat, so she set her up with an oral suction tube. This was a game-changer for my mom. Her demeanor changed dramatically. My mom’s eyes lit up; she was happy with the energy and time that Rosie was putting into making her feel as comfortable as possible. My mom asked me, “Who is this angel?” “Rosie!” I said. “She is an angel, my angel…I love her.” “She came in here like a boss and is awesome! My favorite!” Before my mom was transferred to a higher level of care, Rosie offered to braid her hair. She knew my mom was concerned about her hair being down and in her face. My mom didn’t take her up on the offer, but the simple fact that Rosie even offered and was willing to take a moment to braid her hair if that was what would make her feel even just a little better was enough to warm my heart.

My mom is on a long road to recovery and currently still in the hospital being treated for her injuries, but she speaks of Rosie and asks about “her angel”.

I’ve had the privilege of working in the same hospital as Rosie for 6 years and I have witnessed the amazing things that she does for not only patients, but staff as well. She is always coordinating potlucks, birthday dinners, and special recognition for her coworkers. Let’s not forget her wonderful homemade baked cakes and desserts!!! Hearing about Rosie isn’t the same as seeing her in action. Watching her do what she does so naturally left me in amazement and with a higher level of respect for what could only be called a legend! She is the epitome of what Adventist Health stands for and I am sure I can speak for all, we are so thankful she is part of this team! I am especially thankful for the kindness and heart she showed my mom in her fragile time of need.