Our Editor-in-Chief has been called leader, mentor, role-model, and even sage by those who know her well. We can now add courageous survivor to the list. Violent storms spawning tornados have leveled part of Dr. Baker's home, leaving only the foundation. Devastating as this loss is, Dr. Baker's strong faith, exuberant spirit, and large network of supportive friends and family are helping her cope physically and emotionally.

The parallels of Dr Baker's recent events underscore our collective needs as nurses. We care for others as they work through loss, recovery, and find new opportunities to grow and thrive. However, we can also find ourselves facing devastating situations at a moment's notice. Events that may level us to our foundations require us to take inventory of our own self care strengths and address those needs that may need nurturing. Have we prepared for disruptions, emergencies, and catastrophes? Have we nurtured our relationships with family, friends, and peers so that we have social supports when we need them? Do we have strong spiritual foundations? Have we developed values, beliefs, and philosophies that give us strength? We cannot foresee what life has in store for us, but we can strengthen our foundations to help us overcome misfortune. As you are reading this message, you may be focused on all the activities you need to accomplish. The staff and contributors of Gastroenterology Nursing ask you to put those thoughts aside, and reflect on what is important in your life. Look around you at your family, friends, and peers and reflect on how much they mean to you. And then as an assignment, celebrate their presence with a smile, a pat on the back, a thank you, or words of appreciation. In times of trouble, we realize how much of our strength comes from others. Physical walls may crumble but we can build again, if our life is built on a firm foundation based on faith and friendship.

Much of Dr. Baker's life has been brought to its foundation both physically and figuratively. Her family, friends, and peers have pulled together and come to her aid, and she draws strength and support from them. Despite the storm, Kathy Baker continues to work and help others. She remains a leader, mentor, role-model, and sage. Her message to us this month is to nurture and reinforce our own foundations while the weather is calm. Storms may brew on the horizon at any time, but we can survive and even flourish if our foundations are strong.

Staff, Department Editors, and Editorial Board for

Gastroenterology Nursing