Dealing with idiopathic pancreatitis for the last 10 years has been very hard. I never know when I'm going to get sick or quite how to prevent it. My family has been my backbone of support through it all. The current pandemic we are dealing with makes things even harder. I've been scared to death to get sick and to have to be in a hospital all alone. Unfortunately, my biggest fears came true. Seeing the pain and fear in my family's eyes when they dropped me off was truly hard to bear.
Nurse Rosa was my very first nurse once I was admitted. She could see how scared I was. She took time to check on me, not only physically, but emotionally. I am so grateful for her and for all the nurses here at Kaiser. Nurse Rosa stood by my bedside, held my hand, and listened to me cry about how hard this is all been and how much more difficult it is now that I can't have my family by my side. She encouraged me to call and talk to them as much as I could and continued to check on me throughout her shift. She graced me with kindness and words of compassion all day. She even stopped at the end of her long day to wish me a speedy recovery and good health in the future. I have been in and out of so many hospitals over the last decade, and nurses truly hold a very special place in my heart. They are incredible people who dedicate their lives to the well-being of others. Nurse Rosa is truly one of the best among a crowd of amazing individuals. Her compassion speaks volumes about who she is and why she is so successful. I am eternally grateful for Nurse Rosa. She was my angel that day and I will hold her words close to my heart for the rest of my life.