I first met Resmi in December, when I was a scared 20-year-old about to undergo her first cardiac ablation. When lying on the operating table, I never felt so alone, overwhelmed, and scared, but luckily, Resmi would be the nurse who forever changed my life. During this procedure, I needed to be awake, and Resmi held my hand, talked to me, and comforted me for what felt like the world's longest procedure, although to her credit, it was a 6-hour procedure.

Following this, I visited the wonderful staff of the Electrophysiology department for another 3 ablations over the next year. Yes, you're correct. I requested Resmi every time, and luckily, the staffing gods were on my side, and she was there every time. On my last ablation, which I thought would be the last time I ever saw Resmi, I woke up from my ablation and received the news that I had just gotten into Nursing school. When Resmi came to say her goodbyes, as promised, I got to share the wonderful news with her- the news that I could give what she gave to me to others. The gift of light on the darkest days. It was bittersweet to then be heading back to Santa Clara for a pacemaker at the age of 21, with all my emotions, but I knew I would be okay as long as I had Resmi by my side. Immediately, I asked for Resmi, and the nurse let me know she was busy at the moment, but he would check on having her come by. As the staff got me prepared for surgery, I kept asking and asking for Resmi. Then it was surgery time, and as I was getting wheeled into the room, yet again, I asked, “Is Resmi there?” My tech let me know she was not, but that he had a surprise for me. When the doors to the room opened, I heard Taylor Swift playing, and I thought, as a 21-year-old female, that was my surprise, and I said, “What a nice surprise, thank you,” and he replied, “Oh, this is not your surprise.” Then, someone in the room came up to me and said, “I think I know you.” As tears filled my eyes, it was Resmi. I lay on the table crying and scared, but having Resmi there, yet again, made it all so much better. I told her how scared I was, and she said, "Why! Last time you were here, you got into nursing school, who knows what will happen this time!” As tears filled my eyes, she said, “E, it's going to be okay.” As she said those words, the anesthesia kicked in and I fell asleep feeling so loved and comforted, because I knew with Resmi there, everything would be okay.

Resmi is a nurse who exemplifies compassion, comfort, the best care, and knowledge to her patients, and leaves a lasting impression on them. I will never forget Resmi, and I hope a part of her always remembers me, as it is for her that I hope to one day help a little girl like she helped me. I was meant to be inspired by her, and I was meant to have had a wonderful year-long journey with the Santa Clara staff. I was meant to meet Resmi, and I am so proud to say she is the best part of my medical stories.