Constantly searching for a matchable kidney was a deterrent to my father’s hope. Even so, my mother, in high spirits, prayed each day for the call to come. During a phone call, I was introduced to Sonia Vasquez, a renal transplant nurse, for the first time. When she told us about the possibility of a kidney match, excitement filled the room so much that tears lingered in most people's eyes. The turnaround my father experienced there was rather hopeful. However, Sonia called us later that evening to inform us that the potential kidney had not proven to be a match after several tests. The empathetic approach she adopted in reply to such information reassured my dad that the search is not over. It was apparent that my father was becoming increasingly anxious about the situation over the next few days, fearing having to wait yet again for a long time. 

After observing his behavior, my mother and I took him to the flea market to help him to unwind. While returning to our vehicle, he received a second call. With a positive tone, Sonia told him that a potential kidney was perfect for him, and that no more time was needed to wait. Instructions were given on how to proceed, and we followed them. As we entered Advocate Christ's emergency room, we were greeted with wide sliding doors. The staff guided us to the appropriate places and assisted us throughout our stay. Briefly, after the procedure, we met with the surgeon and were shown where he was. We then met Sonia again. The recovery approach we should follow was gradually revealed to us as each day passed. Particularly, Sonia sat us down and explained what we should do once my father returned home and how to proceed properly. A number of questions were asked, some from my end, and Sonia explained them in a manner that was clear and easy to understand. Sonia continued to do that after my father was discharged from the inpatient facility and was visiting their outpatient facility regularly. With reaffirming and comprehensive responses, she clarified all of our confusion. The outpatient facility is still visited, but less frequently, and it is there that we are met by Sonia, the nurse who in fact restored my father's hope.