I'd never had day surgery before, so I was uneasy about how long I'd be in recovery after a 3-hour surgery. Would I be able to manage basic living tasks by evening? My nearly 7-hour recovery would have felt overwhelming had not Mafi Costillo supported and fed me, kept me warm and hydrated, and steadied me when I could finally stand and then walk. That took 6 hrs. She taught my husband to deal with the catheter bag and helped me dress, and just when I thought I was ready to leave, she grabbed and held an emesis bag for me that I suddenly needed as I sank back onto the bed. When I thanked her, she commented with a smile, "Nursing isn't a glamorous profession." Before I left, Mafi gave me a practical plan for alternating pain medications so as to avoid constipation. That plan was successful...for which I couldn't have been more appreciative in the following days.

Mafi's whole demeanor exuded positive, can-do encouragement. I'm sure I'm one of thousands of patients she's helped, but throughout that stressful day, she treated me as if I were the only one she had to think about. Thank you, Mafi!