At the age of 76, I fell on an open box of asphalt siding and sliced my shin open to the bone in an 8x10 inch area. Nerves and tissue were expelled, and there was not enough skin left to stitch it closed. Teddy was my nurse in the General Surgery office, where I went to get my healing evaluated after surgery and bandages changed.

He was exceptionally kind and compassionate, and provided me with confidence that my leg would eventually be alright. He gave me hope when I was sure I would lose my leg. The initial three-month healing process was a painful, up-and-down time full of setbacks and minimal progress. Teddy always made time for me to come in to check my wound when I was having new problems or concerns.

This extra care was critical to my being able to persist and not give up. This wound almost broke me. I am still about six months away from full recovery, but I know I will make it now. I owe this to Teddy. I don't believe I would have made it through without his upbeat, kind, consistent, and skillful care.

Thank you, Teddy!