I came to St. Luke's for breast cancer surgery. It was the first time I would undergo general anesthesia. When it was time to go into surgery, Sally, my O.R. nurse came. Her bright smile lit up my waiting area as she prepared me for the next step. In addition to her commanding presence and confident attitude, she was fun. When I asked her if anyone else would be assisting her, her reply was, "This is my rodeo!" Her joyful spirit eased any residual nervousness I was feeling.

When I woke up from surgery, it was Sally who greeted me. The first thing I remember hearing was "She's smiling." I remember being surrounded by so much love and was overwhelmed with gratitude that I was awake and that everything had gone well.

I work at the hospital and I had the opportunity to meet Sally in person recently, 3 months after surgery. I would never have recognized her if her mom (a nurse colleague) hadn't help make the connection that Sally was my O.R. nurse. I am so glad I got to see Sally again. She was able to tell me more about that fuzzy time of waking up from anesthesia - things I didn't remember. As she shared those stories, I knew in my bones that what she was saying was true. Through hearing those stories, I have been able to see deeper into my authentic self by listening to how others experienced me and what we shared in that "in-between" state. It is uplifting and inspiring to me and gives me the courage, motivation and strength to honor who I am. I am forever grateful for this gift that Sally gave to me.