When I sought care for a rare neuromuscular disorder, Marie led the charge. She tracked down every possible record and detail. She was complete and caring; considerate and capable. I had come from previous offices where I was merely a medical record number.
Marie and I soon realized that we both had daughters with the same, rather unique name. Every phone call and office visit, no matter how busy Marie is, she stops in to see me. We cause a ruckus laughing about our daughters' antics. Marie made a point to bond with me over this. Marie also makes a point to help me find joy in my every-day life. She makes a point to make me feel secure, safe, and special.
When an onset of falls and weakness resulted in a hospital admission, my lunch date on my first day was Marie and the doctor. While they were both concerned about my treatment plan, we spent that time laughing about family, spouses, and kids.
Every once in a while. I will see the phone number for the doctor's office pop up on my phone. I always wonder what I forgot to take care of, but usually, it is Marie just calling to check on me. If I leave a message on the voicemail or patient portal, she takes care of it with speed and completeness. To be fair, if you call Marie, she usually picks up without having to leave a message. She coordinates all the care between my care team and Mayo Clinic. Even the Mayo staff have commented on how easy it is to reach Marie and how quickly they get a response. I have called Marie so many times with so many things I needed help with. Sometimes I needed help handling a new symptom, sometimes handling the entirety of a chronic, long term, incurable illness. Marie always, always makes me feel better. There won't always be a fix, I understand that, but as long as Marie is around, I will always, always have the help I need to live my best life.
Care doesn't get any better than that.