A young trauma patient from TCU came to our unit prior to one of her first, of many surgeries to come. She had a trach, cervical collar, IV, wound vac, and other equipment and tubes. She was fully dressed in her pink print flannel pj's and pink fluffy slippers. She was alone. In our efforts to prepare her for her surgery by changing her into a hospital gown, suctioning her trach, Bridgette started crying and apologizing for "being so much trouble." Seeing the anxiety and panic on her face and realizing this was a "new" experience for her, I stopped what I was doing, took here hand ,and reassured her that we were going to take good care of her. Bridgette went to surgery without delay. She had stopped crying, and I got the sense she was more at ease given her current situation. Working on SMAU , I got the opportunity to care for Bridgette several more times. She was always alone. She appeared happier to see a familiar face. I would joke and make reference about her not having her PINK fluffy slippers . Having a son of a similar age, I contiued thinking about Bridgette . I thought of her interests, and how this accident had interrupted her life. One Saturday I came to the hospital and visited Bridgette. Thinking of what "girlie things" a 21 year old would like, I brought her a makeup bag filled with "goodies." which included PINK nail polish of course. With her consent, I gave her a mini manicure polishing her fingernails and toenails. She absolutely loved it. Bridgette came to SMA a few more times after that day, each time with less equipment and visible improvement. She was always alone. One day, the automatic doors opened, and Bridgette walked in.She was free of the trach, cervical collar, and wound vac. She wanted to see me to share the news she was going to be discharged home in a few days. It was a long rode for her. I realized my contact with her was just a snap shot, a little light in what must have surely been a dark period in her life.