Making a difference is what Tara does. I came into MVH to have a total hysterectomy last week and was scared and nervous. Having worked at MVH in the past, I knew I was in the best place possible for my surgery. When I arrived, my blood pressure was 146/80 (usually I'm at 100/50, so I knew my nervousness was affecting my vitals. Tara came in, introduced herself, and began asking me the admission questions. In the middle of the admission, she was asking about family history, and I told her we adopted 2 children. She then said she was adopted, and we talked at length about her experience and our experience. This brought great comfort to me because I knew at this point I was not just an "admission" and we connected on a personal level.

As she was starting my IV she commented on my forearm butterfly tattoo. I told her it was in memory of my daughter that passed away. She asked me questions about how old she was and then showed me her forearm tattoo and said, "There is something different about parents who have lost children." That statement brought tears to my eyes because no matter what age or how a child passed away, the loss a parent experiences can never be understood unless you yourself have experienced that unbelievable grief.

Tara brought me comfort and relief before my surgery and went well beyond her admission duties. Words cannot thank her enough for her care and compassion. Being a nurse for over 16 years myself, I appreciated her professionalism, caring nature, and openness... thank you so much Tara for connecting with me on a personal level.