My 4-year-old son was scheduled for surgery on Valentine's Day, of all days. We had to get up extremely early. He obviously couldn’t eat or drink. My husband and I were anxious; it was the perfect storm that made him uncooperative and grumpy. The minute Shelly grabbed us from the waiting area, she spoke to my son at eye level, explaining every single step to him and me. She treated him like a patient and not a child. I appreciated that so much. I packed toys to preoccupy him during the wait in the pre-op area. Shelly played with him before taking vitals. She was clearly building trust, and as a nurse myself, I know how important this step is in achieving good outcomes. She took her time. She was present and calm. We are both so lucky to have her with us before surgery. I was no longer anxious at all. My little guy showed no fear or anxiety. When they wheeled him away, we waved at each other, and both of us were comfortable with the next steps. After surgery, she was with us again, providing very clear discharge information and still taking her time with both of us. To feel as though the person caring for your child is invested provided a sense of relief that I can’t thank her enough for.