2.5 years ago, I began experiencing scary neurological symptoms. I just started a new job, had an 18 month old at home, and was doing my best to ignore what my heart knew was worthy of my attention. The intense back pain, worsening numbness, and difficulty walking ultimately landed me at Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center where I was diagnosed with Guillain Barre syndrome. I was in excruciating pain and my husband and I were terrified, confused, and spending our first night away from our daughter. That week we spent in the hospital almost 2.5 years ago is mostly a blur. However, there are some aspects and some people who made a lasting impact on our lives. One of them was our nurse, Rowena Mante. My faith is incredibly important to me and played an integral role in my recovery through a difficult time in my life. Rowena took remarkable physical care of me. She anticipated my needs and made me feel safe and cared for. But she did so much more than that. Even in the midst of an incredibly busy day, Rowena recognized what was important to me and what we had in common. One evening as she was getting ready to go home to her children and her family, she took me by the hand and said “may I pray with you?”. Hand in hand, eyes closed, the world was quiet. She prayed peacefully and intentionally over me and my husband. Through tears, I looked over at my typically stoic husband and saw tears streaming down his face. I don’t remember her words, but I will never forget the way she made me feel that evening. In the midst of fear, anxiety, uncertainty, and sadness, I felt peace knowing that God was working through Rowena. You may ask why it’s taken me so long to capture and share these thoughts. I believe the most profound moments are those that are never forgotten no matter how much time passes. Rowena created this moment for me and my family. In looking at my children and my husband, I often think about those days I spent under Rowena’s care and those 30 seconds she took to pray over us. Rowena has beautifully mastered both the science and the art of nursing. As a nurse myself, I know this is not an easy feat. Instead of quickly hanging up her stethoscope after a long day, Rowena paused and created a moment that forever changed me as a woman, a mother, a nurse, and a patient. I would like to recognize, celebrate and honor Rowena for the impact she has made on my life and undoubtedly the lives of so many others.