It's easy after a significant event, an event in which you have to rely on people to support you, encourage you, and guide you, to identify who is great at doing all those things. And yesterday after I had my first Code, I knew I had to do something to show my appreciation for Sara. Not only because of yesterday's chaotic success but also for the innumerable times I have thought, "I'm so glad Sara is here today". The details of yesterday are deeply saturated with Sara just being present. It's hard to sum up in a few words what Sara did yesterday, but to explain them all would take a few pages. She quickly became my confidant, my protector. I am undeniably independent in my day to day nursing and she allows me to be. But yesterday I could not have done my job without her. She trusted me and in that I was empowered. And when she recognized in me that I needed to pause, to take a moment for myself to unfurl, when I couldn't see it myself, she made it her priority to make sure that I did.
I know that if I ever need her, she is available. And she listens. Always. She is my confirmation when I am unsure. She is my counselor when I need to confide. She is my resource when I can't find a vein or multitask or think straight. She is my laughter when I need to laugh. She is mindful when I forget that I am human. She is so many things. So many good things. And I am only one of many on the floor that receives her intentional, personal care.
In knowing Sara, in being led by her, in walking beside her, I'm never alone. I know that I am seen. That I am heard. And that I too am taken care of.