On Saturday morning, I had an umbilical hernia repair. You were a major part of my experience. You met me outside the O.R. to talk to me.

Inside the O.R., while you were strapping my arms down you commented that my left hand was cold. You held it for a minute - then you got a warm cloth and placed it over my hand.

Then you shifted into high gear!!

You started an out-loud explanation of what was about to happen for the entire room to hear. Something like who you were, what your role during the operation would be, what you were anticipating, and what you were going to do.

Then you invited the anesthesiologist to take his turn - and he chimed right in. It seemed like this was how you begin each operation. It was beautiful!! He talked (again, in a voice for the whole room to hear) about how I had sleep apnea, but that he didn't think it would cause him any issues. He explained what size tracheal tube he was going to use, etc.

Then you invited the nurse (with tattoos) to my right to take her turn.

I was amazed. And impressed!! It made a stressful situation (for me) easier. To see all of you give each other (and me?!) a heads-up on what each of you anticipated and how you were going to handle it. You were a team. It was beautiful!!! So professional!!

You were kind of like a quarterback.

I hope you never give that part of a procedure up - it had a huge impact on me. To have everyone narrate for me what was going to happen. So comforting!!

Thank you!!!!