My wife and I so hope that everyone’s life may come with a Guardian Angel moment or two when they most need it. I needed mine as I lay in a hospital bed just after surgery, dripping with tubes, unable to sit up without assistance. My thoughts were moored to the reality that I would never again pee normally, unable to imagine a future without embarrassment and shame. Then around the corner came you. The way you greeted us. Your total eye contact. The goodness in your face and in your smile. The way you engaged my wife and me, bringing us back from the ledge of the unknown. There’s much to say about the caliber of your lessons which were a necessary ingredient of our beginning to cope and recover. But more important in our redemption was your very manner, countenance, voice, playfulness, complete understanding of how to extend a hand and lifeline to our vulnerability. You were our guardian angel, you charmed us toward the hope of re-engaging life. When you left for your own renewing family time in Denver, we were worried that oxygen itself might go missing with you. But you reassured us about the skill and caring of your colleagues. With all the technical proficiency and personal involvement you knew, they too came through for us.

Two months later, I’m stronger, more engaged in life, and less hampered by stoma management than it was possible to imagine that first day you came by to sprinkle your magic. The best clinical news is that the pathology report indicated clear sailing, stage 0a. We’re flying to Cleveland for a tune-up and asked the scheduling gods if maybe we could have it with you, should you be on duty. We know you have big bouncing news of your own, having brought forth Life Itself since our time with you. We’ll cherish your tales of this wonderful new beginning. However much you think it’s possible we appreciate you, we do even more. Proud are all the people who contributed to help make you, you. Lucky are we you can turn into a guardian angel and step around the corner when many of us most need help.

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Two weeks after surgery, just prior to leaving Cleveland for two flights home, problems emerged with drainage from the JP site and from one incision. Karen O’Brien rescued us on a drop-in visit and provided the most thorough hands-on care and instructions to date. We left well equipped to manage these complex matters at home and with a specific set of supplies to do so. Her skills and personal generosity, communications, and confidence building seemed endlessly generous.