I was admitted to TMH for a robot-assisted low anterior resection colectomy. My story truly began the next night when I met Nurse Luisa, shortly after my catheter was removed.

That night, I was afraid to fall asleep. I worried I might wet the bed, especially around 1:30 a.m. Luisa reassured me not to worry. She told me, gently and firmly, that if anything happened, she would take care of it.

And of course, by 2:30 a.m., both my bed and I were completely soaked. I felt helpless. But Luisa came in and, without a moment of hesitation, gently washed me and changed me completely. I remember standing there, clutching my IV pole, completely exposed and ashamed. Yet, Luisa never made me feel small. She changed the entire bed and told me she would gladly do it all again if needed. She reminded me that this was her job-to make me feel safe, cared for, and respected. She said she wanted me to feel unique, like a mother or sister would make someone feel.

That moment left a lasting impression on me. It was filled with such deep humanity, it remains etched in my memory like a quiet, exhausted prayer.

Nothing else happened that night, but I was relieved and happy to see Luisa again the next evening. Every time she came in to check on me, my heart beat a little faster-not out of fear, but out of deep gratitude and respect.

Thank you, Luisa. Your kindness, compassion, and dignity are what remain with me most from this painful surgery. You turned one of my most vulnerable moments into something profoundly human and unforgettable.