It was entirely chance that Nurse Rita Mitchell was on duty and seated just outside my door on a night that I was first confronting some injuries that had been hidden even from myself for almost 20 years. It was also entirely chance that Nurse Rita was able to relate in many ways and share her experiences with the many emotions that follow such heavy subjects, and also - in my opinion - the heaviest of all subjects, forgiveness. She comforted and listened to me and she also helped me find some accountability in how and upon whom I was denying that forgiveness to.

I know that the personal growth and self-inspection that she must have gone through to be the understanding, strong, and wise person that she is could not be any easier than the often awkward and sometimes painful personal journey's that we all have to embark on in our own ways, but I am incredibly grateful that she did because through just one hour of conversation she was able to get the ball rolling on healing generations of pain within my own family and in my own life. I am confident that among the capable, honest, and compassionate staff at Mosaic hospital, you could find any number of qualified recipients for this award. But I know that if it were up to me, my vote would be all in for Nurse Rita.