Words cannot even begin to explain how much love I have for Teresa. I am originally from out of state and was diagnosed with a serious condition a couple of years ago. Since being diagnosed, I have been dealing with physical limitations, but I have had a strong support team at home that helped me to persevere. There was always someone there for me.

When I first moved to South Dakota, I was terrified that I wasn't going to build those kinds of relationships with my doctors and nurses. I am very glad to say that I was wrong. When I first met my doctor, he was welcoming and took his time explaining everything to me. He answered all my questions and explained things to me repeatedly, until I was comfortable. He could tell I was nervous and anxious, so he would crack jokes or share a little about himself to help me feel more comfortable.

I then met his nurse, Teresa. This woman has been absolutely nothing but amazing since the second I met her. She reminds me so much of my mother. Teresa is not only kind, intelligent, and strong, but she is also very understanding. She always has a smile on her face and a positive attitude. She will always take the time to sit down and ask me how I am doing. She will listen to every word I tell her, and she remembers it all the next time I see her.

We always pick up as if I never left that appointment. I feel that I can trust Teresa with anything. She has never made me doubt her. She has shown me that she cares deeply for me and that no matter what I am going through, I will always have her by my side. It is such a nice feeling to have someone so close to you who reminds me of my mother. She has such a good way of making me feel calm and that things are going to be okay. One thing that she does that makes me feel better is she always takes some deep breaths with me, and reminds me to have a better attitude, and that things will be okay.