I am not one who often sees doctors, and in fact, I haven't had much of a need for doctoring other than my annual physical. I do not even usually go to the doctor at Grantsburg, but after days of excruciating pain connected to gallstones, Grantsburg is the ER where my husband chose to bring me, considering it was the closest and he is a Peter Panic if I have ever met one.

No insult to Grantsburg, St. Croix is simply closer to my primary, whom I admire and trust; I live in Webster.

I am writing to rave about the Grantsburg emergency and inpatient physicians, nurses, and CNAs. I don't think I was met with one single inpatient, grumpy, or unknowledgeable professional. The nurses were all so kind and gentle when I needed them to be the most, and although I was in a lot of pain, they also made me laugh and smile often, which is so important. Dr. N was also so smart and laid back and straightforward, which I really appreciate.

All that being said, the one nurse I'd like to recognize is Sandi Oachs.

The nurse listened. She remembered. She cared enough to ask me questions when she didn't have to. She advocated. She was connected. She was compassionate. She let me know what to expect and kept me informed, and she also found me answers when there was something she couldn't answer for me.

She is smart and personable and spoke to me professionally but also comfortably. I felt as if I were her family. I didn't have to feel bad about asking when I needed something, nor feel uncomfortable because I knew I looked like a dumpster fire.

She truly has it all, and my stay there would not have been the same without her support.

Thank you, Sandi.