I think one of my biggest complaints about the pandemic is how much it has impacted our ability to deeply care for one another. The anxiety and stress of navigating work, family, and health often trumps our sense of humanity. For my family, Olivia Darocha embodies this deep sense of humanity and care that is so rarely seen today. My 13-year-old daughter just had a four day stay as an inpatient after a fairly traumatic scoliosis surgery. Making matters worse, during the day of her surgery contact tracing revealed that she had been a close contact for COVID just a couple days before her admission. This of course added the extra layer of necessary precaution providers needed to take before entering the room. Olivia never made this feel burdensome. She visited several times even when no medication was needed just to check in and put a reassuring hand on my daughter's shoulder or to discuss pop culture to distract my daughter from her pain. She truly went the extra mile to support and elevate my daughter during her stay.

When my daughter's hair was matted to her head from all the tossing/turning and tears, Olivia magically appeared with detangling spray because she saw this was what my daughter needed (beyond the pain meds) to feel like herself again. Likewise, when my daughter wasn't hungry or thirsty, she managed to hunt down just the thing whether it was the right flavor of Gatorade or goldfish crackers that met the goal of getting her to eat and drink. While my daughter told me that there was no way that she was going to try to shower before going home, Olivia encouraged her to do so, and given her trust and the bond she had formed with Olivia, she agreed to shower. Olivia stayed with her the whole time chatting away - distracting her from how weak and pained she felt.

It's hard to put into words the exact gift Olivia has but her deep-rooted ability to empathize, to truly take the time and energy to figure someone out and to care for them with such detail and love is what makes her so unique. While I have encountered a few special caregivers/teachers etc. like this in my life I have noticed and become particularly appreciative of those special individuals who can continue to empathize and care for other despite the increased stress and worry that the pandemic has brought on especially in the health care field. Olivia goes above and beyond in her role and embodies this unique gift; we are deeply grateful and better off for her care.