Complications after my surgery lead my one-night stay into many. My nurse Kristina was on 3rd shift in the middle of the night I woke up drenched in sweat, my heart beating out of my chest, every muscle in my body cramping. I was so afraid. In a split second Kristina was by my side. She called for help immediately as I was re-running my last conversation with my children in my mind, afraid they were my last. Kristina held my hand, she anchored me and assured me that she would not leave my side as she held fast to my hand while I was fearing for my life she explained everything that was happening. She was the calm in my storm. She navigated every detail. She never left my side as I clung to her as my hope, my hope did not fade because my angel was by my side.

Kristina was my angel that night. I was not alone, I had her. I knew that she truly cared for me. I had full confidence in her knowledge as she explained everything in terms my mind at that moment could comprehend. It takes a nurse many years of experience and an immense sense of compassion to care for me in the way that she did. I cannot describe how grateful I am in words on paper. Kristina will always have a place in my heart. My respect for her genuine compassion, knowledge, and professionalism is unparalleled to any care I have received in my many surgeries and experience as a patient in all my 58 years. She made an impact in my life that I am so very grateful for. In my darkest moment when I feared my life was soon to end, she held my hand and never let go. I wish there was a way to show her how truly grateful I am.

Kristina, if you get a moment to read this, please know that you are working your calling as a nurse to care for others. This is what you are meant to do. I love you, thank you.