In 2004, I gave birth to a baby boy. Mrs. Sonia was the nurse who welcomed me for the first time at the UAMS clinic. She provided me with a lot of education I needed as a new mom, but more importantly, she was kind, listened to me, and was my conduit of communication since I did not speak much English then. She made me feel like we were so special. Everything was great for the first couple of visits until it wasnt. Around the fifth month, I had concerns that my baby boy was not acting normally. I called her, and she took my concerns seriously, helped me expedite the appointment with the pediatrician, and volunteered to interpret in the multiple specialist appointments. She held me when I thought I could not live or take care of a baby with major developmental issues. She knew I was angry. I blamed the vaccines, and not once did she reproach me or try to change my mind; she let me blow up on her and cried with me. She said I will always be by your side; you are not alone, and I will always help you. She kept that promise, not for one or two years, but for nineteen. She helped me navigate our complicated health system, from understanding medical jargon and finding the right specialists to getting resources so my son would have the best chance he deserved.

When I surprisingly got pregnant again, she stood by my side through all the testing to make sure we were okay. After my daughter was born, she gave me tons of information and time so I could decide how to proceed with vaccinations. When we dealt with mental health issues, again, she advocated on our behalf with the doctors and different facilities. Through all these years she invested in my family and me, I have been able to grow and find my voice to help others in our community who struggle with mental and physical illnesses and disabilities. I often reach out to her when I do not have the answers; she has been a speaker in different churches and community places, teaching us and bringing awareness to various topics. With everyone she meets, she sees, hears, and makes you feel special; she has helped many families and continues to help, expecting nothing in return, from providing excellent care in the clinic to taking food and supplies to patients' homes. If there is a nurse deserving of a DAISY Award, it is Mrs. Sonia. She epitomizes the true essence of nursing, providing care with the utmost respect and compassion. Her dedication inspires all who witness it. She uses her nursing skills, leadership, and determination to be a fierce advocate for our community and a reassuring presence for all who need her support. I have never met anyone like her, with so much energy and ready to give her everything to make our lives easier and better.