I spent the morning at my apartment, carefully curling my hair and puting on the dark green dress I had chosen.

It was a simple dress, but it made me feel elegant and professional.

As I looked in the mirror, I realized I didn’t see the tired, defeated woman of a year ago.

The dark circles under my eyes were gone, replaced by a quiet brightness.

I grabbed my coat and my purse, taking a deep breath before heading out.

The drive to Harborview Children’s Hospital was smooth, the traffic along the water light.

The Morrison Family Healing Center sat adjacent to the main hospital building, overlooking the harbor.

When I arrived, the plaza in front of the building was already bustling with people.

A large blue ribbon was stretched across the glass entryway, fluttering in the breeze.

Photographers were setting up their tripods, and catering staff were carrying trays of champagne and appetizers.

I saw several of my nursing colleagues in the crowd, dressed in their finest clothes.

“Victoria!” one of them, a nurse named Sarah, called out. “Over here!”