Last year I had to have bilateral partial knee replacement and had to stay in the hospital for four days. Unfortunately, it was during covid, and I was not allowed any visitors, yet I was not alone. My Team took it upon themselves to care for me. From my office coordinators to my transporter there was always someone by my side. I never felt that I was alone. They cared for me, they made me walk, they bathed me from head to toe, they helped me blow dry my hair, made my bed, gave me flowers, bought me gifts, cooked for me breakfast lunch dinner, and made me fresh Cuban coffee every day. These are just some things off the top of my head about what they did for me.

To you, it might all sound petty but when you are in pain, hungry, missing your loved ones, and trying to heal, it’s a big deal. When you cannot fend for yourself or do your daily activities, it’s a big deal! All this love did not just stay here in the hospital, once I was discharged, they took turns visiting me at home. They called me every day to make sure I was ok and to update me on everything that was going on at the center. The Wound Care, Ostomy, and Hyperbaric Units did not miss a beat even though I was out for 3 months. The Team was and is on top of it. Their passion, commitment, love for each other, their love for me and for the patients is admirable. Their attention to detail is amazing. Nothing is left undone. There is nothing that I can do to ever repay their love for me.

Their actions and professionalism are priceless. Every one of them made a difference in my recovery. They cheered me on when I gave up. The beauty of this is that not only are they like this with me but with all our patients. It reflects in our press Ganey. Patents mention them by name. They are consistently consistent. I am so blessed to be able to lead such an exceptional loving Team.

I started this letter as a patient, but I cannot end it there, I must continue it as a Director. Recently my husband passed away, it was something that happened unexpectedly. I cannot explain the pain that I have nor the sadness of not having him by my side. He was my best friend. He will be my forever love. My Team was by my side the whole time he was in the hospital. They took burdens off me, made decisions knowing me, and always respected my leadership. They showed up in my house quietly and lit canters in M’s memory for my daughters and I. My whole Team offered me their time, but since I recently had my surgery, I had no paid time to take off. They sent us food, flowers, and memory gifts, and started a cash-up fund that paid for my husband’s tombstone. It’s humbling to feel such love. They truly know the meaning of loving and caring for one another. There is no other Team that I can say is as dedicated to doing what is right or can fill in a need without being asked, other than My Team. At this time nothing takes the pain away, but their loving gesture and the time put in for me lightened the sadness. Knowing that I am loved helps me get through the days. It gives me the air under my wings to continue to move forward. They are Angels with healing hands. I will forever be grateful to each one of them. I pray that you can see through these words and feel the love that I have for them for everything that they have done for me. They are friends. They are family. They are My Team.