Through a strange set of circumstances, I have gotten to know Melissa not only as my coworker but now as my nurse. For years I have struggled to hide the symptoms of a progressive illness that often lands me in the hospital, unfortunately off the clock. This hospital stay has been my roughest and longest yet. I had the honor of having Melissa as my nurse several nights in a row. At the beginning of my stay, I felt hopeless. She listened as I cried and just vented about how it wasn't fair that I was sick and that I just wanted to be there for my son and my patients. She helped me cope with the humiliation I felt using a cane in my early twenties and when I got discouraging news from the doctors. She knew when I just needed to change the subject and she talked to me about various things to get my mind off my depression, but knew when I needed to switch to talking about my feelings and she was always there with a listening ear and a caring heart. She never made me feel like I was taking up her time. She is so humble and gentle and kind. Melissa and I work different shifts, so my interaction with her prior to this was limited. I always admired her attention to detail and good attitude, but now I can truly say she picked me up and carried me in a sense when I was too down and weak to do it myself. For the first time in this stay, I am crying happy tears, because I am so thankful for her help. I know she doesn't realize what an impact she made on my attitude and my recovery. This floor is blessed to have her as well as BayCare.