I am 55 years old and never had any significant medical intervention until my lumpectomy. To say I was nervous would be an understatement. I had wonderful care in every interaction with SSM providers and staff, but the most meaningful experience for me was the OR nurse, Andrea, who held my hand and rubbed my arm as I was being put under. Talk about the healing power of presence! I am a touchy-feely person, but the power of her touch was so soothing, so human, gentle, and sincere that I actually have a whole new point of view on physically connecting to others.

What I found most moving, in the moment and now, is that holding someone’s hand cannot possibly be something that nurses are instructed or incented to do. My nurse just did it because of who she is. To me, that is powerful and amazing. Thank you for hiring her, SSM. She is the embodiment of “healing presence” and I hope you will scour the timesheets for that day, find her and comment her.

She made a huge difference in my day, my recovery, and my life, and I am exceedingly grateful!