SpringfieldNewsSun.com

I was scheduled for a Total Left Hip Replacement to be done on 3-5-08, and had been for my pre-op testing the week before at which time I had met with an anesthesiologist to discuss my options for anesthesia....this is important because of my medical history or lack of it....I have always been as natural as possible, preferring homeopathic remedies if needed and rarely using medications. I have never even had a cavity, let alone any type of surgery and had several concerns about my body and anesthesia...some medical and some more personal. Fifteen minutes prior to my surgery time, as one nurse was starting my I.V., Rob Koval came in and spoke kindly to me and somehow I gathered that he would be taking me to the O.R. It seemed that instructions were coming from all directions and then, a different anesthesiologist came in and the plans that I had made a week prior were changed, I had many questions and concerns, but hesitant to appear uncooperative, I waited for him to leave....Rob introduced himself and asked if he could help. I sense such a quiet, genuine concern from him that I shared with him the fact that I was in the medical field and in the past had worked in O.R.’s where I had seen people's bodies treated so disrepectfully simply because they were "asleep" that I had never wanted to be in that situation. He listened intently as he took me to the O.R. then, in the O.R. he let me know that he would be the circulating nurse during my surgery, that he was a Christian and he assured me that I would be treated with the utmost respect...he then introduced me to the rest of the O.R. staff by name. I was most impressed by the strength & character he demonstrated by not only SHOWING me his faith, but, by telling me. It was THE very thing I needed to hear at that moment. I felt a peace and calmness and truly felt okay with proceeding. In this time when it's not always viewed as "politically correct" to speak of one's faith in the workplace I was impressed by the strength and character of someone who brought to me the VERY thing I had prayed for, a sense of peace in knowing that I was surrounded by others that truly cared. I cannot thank him enough.
Nominated by Crickett Profitt