To the Women Who Make Us Feel Okay

by Dona Ravandi

remember me?
i was the girl who called before i came.
the one with an allergic reaction.
remember how you told me that everything gon’ be okay?
i remember how i felt protected, warm not from the hives, but from your assurance.

You are a physician assistant.

remember me?
i was the girl who came in crying.
the one who was scared of the procedure.
remember how you held my hand, telling me that everything gon’ be okay?
i remember how i felt safe, not because of the background music, but because of your comfort.

You are a nurse.

remember me?
i was the girl who asked you to read my essays.
the one who raised her hand as high as she could.
remember how you nodded your head, telling me that everything gon’ be okay?
i remember how i felt encouraged, relieved when you called on me to share my story.

You are a teacher.

In a world of question marks, you are all a light that shines the words everything gon’ be okay.