I had put off getting a hysterectomy for a couple of years, and it finally got to the point where I was missing out on things because of the pain. I no longer wanted to live that kind of life, so I finally committed and scheduled my surgery.

All of the surgery personnel were absolutely fabulous, and they deserve a huge shout-out, but I remember very little of that because I was under anesthesia. It is hard enough to decide to have surgery for the first time, but it is even harder when everyone involved is someone you may see again when you return to work. I am a very private individual, and this is why I put off the surgery for so long.

When I woke up and got to my room, I quickly discovered that my nurse was a man, which made things feel even more difficult, but Rick took amazing care of me. He helped me manage the intense nausea and pain, all while helping me maintain my dignity.

Rick even got on me a little for waiting too long to ask for help with my nausea. I felt like it was something I should be able to overcome, but the nonstop vomiting was just too much. My mother-in-law and husband were also with me, and anything they needed, he was on top of. They could not stop saying how wonderful he was.

I do not do well being stuck in a bed, and he was very patient with me, explaining that I needed to wait a certain amount of time before getting up and moving around. When I was finally able to get up, I wanted to hit the ground running, but he was there to make sure I did not overdo it or cause any harm to myself.

Since my surgery, I have seen him numerous times, and I have never felt awkward or ashamed. Rick truly is an amazing nurse, and I am very grateful that he was mine.

I will never forget his kindness, and if I ever have to be in the hospital again, the next nurse will have big shoes to fill.