My heart started racing as I drove through the gated golf community towards Dr. Loretta Ford’s (Lee) house for the first time (she gave me permission to share a version of this story a couple of years ago).

I couldn’t believe that I was part of the health professional team taking care of my hero! Dr. Ford was the co-founder of the Nurse Practitioner profession over 60 years ago, and I was humbled to serve such a legend.

What a gift to have known Dr. Ford personally and to have had her friendship! When we talked on the phone, we said I love you we actually meant those words.

Dr. Ford was a beautiful and elegant lady at the age of 104. She was full of light from her inside out. Her mind was sharp, and her sense of humor permeated her conversations.

It was a delight to be in her presence and just soak in her wisdom. I’ve learned several lessons from Dr. Ford throughout my career. Here are 5 of my favorites:

1. Be flexible and open to look at every day as a learning
2. Don’t avoid mistakes as you learn more from mistakes than you’ll ever learn from successes.
3. Play the game of change – “We tried one strategy, one tactic if it didn’t work – well, we learned from that and tried something different.”
4. Strike out to learn anything new such as genetics, computer science, bioengineering so you can help engage your patients to take responsibility for their own health.
5. Fight for what you believe in – learn and don’t be afraid to go against the norms.

Just weeks before her passing, we celebrated her 104th birthday, where she stood gracefully for a photo with the veteran officers honoring her legacy.

I’m full of gratitude for Dr. Ford’s amazing role model for us Nurse Practitioners. The world is a better place because she existed.

Thank you for lighting the way and inspiring generations to come.

I love you Dr. Ford!