Some people manage to go through life just getting by, and not even registering a blip on the grand radar.
A few manage to make a world of difference in the lives of others in a few short interactions.
I got to know Donna when I rotated through the Veterans' Administration Hospital as a resident. For many years, she was the cardiology tech, running the operations for the cardiology rehabilitation evaluations for countless veterans. She was also the kind and reassuring voice heard by many a nervous resident.
And, over the many years that passed after I finished my few weeks at the VA, I would hear Donna's voice from time to time. Sometimes the message was spoken while other times it reached me via email. But, it was usually a word of support and encouragement, just when I needed it the most.
Donna has retired from the post that she held in such a committed way and friends gathered to raise a glass in her honor tonight.
I feel sorry for the residents who are training now. They will move through their rotations at the VA and not know, in my opinion, what was one of this institution's most valuable assets.

For a few more photos...

http://www.pbase.com/jenfu/donna-va