Avery was my first nurse on the unit, and I was in really bad shape. My pain was through the roof in the ED, but it was still quite intense when I got to the floor. Some nurses can be very “business as usual”, but Avery was all about taking care of me. She was an enormous comfort. I needed compassion, understanding, empathy, and sincere heartfelt concern. I knew within minutes I was in good hands, safe, and loved. She offered up hugs, blankets, ice, heat, meds, everything I could possibly need. Even when she wasn’t assigned to me, she stopped every day to check in, visit, and make sure I was comfy. She helped distract my pain by getting me to focus on and practice gratitude about the steps forward. She took an interest in my personal life and is excited for me to become a grandma. I told her, I’m going to come over here to show you all the person I really am when I’ve got a handle on the pain and take strides toward reclaiming my life, and Avery, she can’t wait to see that! Thank you so much for being a light in my day Avery. Your smile and sincere wishes for me to overcome these obstacles mean more than you.