On March 17th I became the recipient of a heart transplant conducted by Dr. S. During the recovery in both the CVICU Unit as well as the step-down unit Rita continued to be there when I needed someone most. She would always be the voice that kept giving me advice and just listening when it seemed too hard to continue but she always knew just what to say to keep me going. She is an amazing nurse and an even better listener. She was the voice of reason when I had none and in the beginning, I told her I would walk to the discharge bell as opposed to being wheeled. While many had their doubts Rita kept that goal fresh in my mind as if to motivate me. When discharged I walked the entirety of the 7th floor to that bell looked over and right in front of me was Rita who without her I may have never made it. She looked at me and I began crying and she said, "You did it" I statute, "No, we did it, and thank you". Rita is the epitome of what patients need when recovering and is an asset to Vanderbilt Hospital. She is my Earth Angel and I am forever grateful for her."