When two year old Alejandra enters the operating room, she sobs in terror. It is easy to feel fragile here. I turn and say this to the surgeon, but neither of us can hear my words. They disappear into the corridor, lost amidst the agonizing cries of this frightened child.
But Interplast nurse Carolynne cradles her, comforts her, whispers to her. I am awed by her gentleness with this child. She speaks with such compassion that her voice seems to sound from her very soul. What makes this scene so magical is not just her ability to comfort this tiny, terrified patient, but to make us all feel something deeper, more meaningful.
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