After having open heart valve replacement surgery on relatively short notice, I was a wreck. My recovery was probably normal, but for me, it didn't feel smooth, and I had a lot of pain and long nights. Oliva was my nurse for a few shifts during my recovery in the cardiac ICU. I'll never forget how often she told me, and others, how strong I was, and I'll never forget our walks. She was personable and chatted with me, listening attentively, and I recall that she had a first date to see 50 First Dates at a rooftop theater. Walking with her and hearing her say I was strong made me feel stronger, more hopeful, and like a person instead of a patient. What I will remember most, though, was that when I was really feeling down, she walked me over to the big window to see the sunset reflecting off the city buildings. It was one of the most beautiful sights ever. I got choked up and told her that seeing that made me really think, for the very first time in the midst of this hardship, that it was so good to just be alive. She was so sweet that she put her arm around me and gave me a little squeeze. Unbeknownst to me at the time, my husband got a photo of that moment. I had some incredible nurses while at Rush, but Olivia stood out above them all for her ability to connect with me when I constantly felt like I wanted to disconnect from everything and everyone. I still - and will always - look back on that moment, that photo, and my time in her care and see it as a transitional point in my recovery. It is SO very good to be alive.