I was admitted to the emergency room at Kaiser San Rafael, where Tracy was my nurse. Tracy spent many hours with me until I was transferred to surgery; in those hours during which I was in so much pain I was screaming and crying she sat with me, reassured me, she connected with me on a family level and made sure she got me the correct pain medication needed to help my pain when the one prescribed was not working. I knew Tracy had other patients and was very busy, but I never felt that I wasn’t her number 1 priority.

Tracy’s ability to explain my surgery that I didn’t expect went above and beyond. She stayed until the last second. I just wish I could recognize all the staff that helped me that day when I truly felt I was at my lowest. So, if you're reading this, Tracy, thank you. I have not forgotten your kindness and never will, and if I am ever back, your face is one. I shall look for kind eyes and a smiling face even under the mask.