Last week, I failed both of my glucose tolerance tests, indicating that I had gestational diabetes. To say I was overwhelmed with this news is an understatement. I felt lost, scared, guilty, and uncertain about what this meant for my health and the health of my baby. I spent days drowning in anxiety and had so many questions with no idea where to begin.

I received a message on MyChart stating that I needed to be scheduled for "diabetes education". Saying it aloud made me sick to my stomach. I was scheduled with Melissa for a nursing visit. I had met Melissa before during previous appointments, but they were brief and straightforward. Nonetheless, she was still kind and informative during those visits.

During this particular appointment, Melissa greeted me in the waiting room with a smile and optimism in her voice. This warm interaction immediately put me at ease before I even left the waiting room.

Rather than brushing off my fears or jumping straight into instructions, Melissa took the time to acknowledge my emotions and create a space where I felt safe to express how overwhelmed I was with this news.

Melissa patiently discussed how gestational diabetes happens and continued to explain that this was in no way my fault - which I needed to hear. Her calm and steady presence helped me feel like I could handle this.

Thanks to her support, I left that appointment with a sense of clarity and empowerment. I had the tools and knowledge I needed, but more importantly, I had hope. It was the first healthcare experience I've had where I didn't feel like just another patient. Melissa’s care made a difference in a moment I will never forget, and I am incredibly grateful.