Merlin immediately put us at ease the morning after my mother-in-law, J, had her surgery with her upbeat and calming demeanor. She was efficient and kind and made sure our family was as comfortable as possible while staying with J during recovery. After witnessing a very difficult medical scene with my mother-in-law, I was left with the knowledge that she was facing a second risky surgery just two days after surviving the first. I felt horribly alone and frightened. Then Merlin came in to check on J, who was resting. She walked over to me and asked how I was doing. She reassured me and gave me the biggest, most sincere hug that gave me more strength than any words ever could have. In that moment, Merlin's concern and compassion was exactly the medicine I needed. In our experience at M.D. Anderson, J had many wonderful nurses, but Merlin Thomas is the one who was the shining example of care and compassion. She took excellent care of her patient from the small things to the critical, always with a beaming smile and positive words. She was an advocate for her patient and she educated her patient's family.