There are no words to express, the loss of Stanley O. Foster. At the same time, he is one of the few people in my life that I have no doubt is a legend that lives on in the hearts and minds of all those he has impacted, be it through teaching, mentorship, doctoring. It’s hard to name all the ways Dr. Foster has connected to another human’s heart. He was instrumental in shaping my career as a midwife and public health professional. I would never have went to nursing school if it wasn’t for potential he saw in me, when I couldn’t see it in myself at the time. When my parents came to Emory to visit for a weekend, one of their most treasured memories was Dr. Foster taking them to lunch at the faculty lounge, dressed up in his signature bow tie. In addition, his listening ear, and candor when I broke the news to him about my father’s terminal diagnosis; he didn’t sugar coat it. Instead, he took me for a walk around lull water park and explained to me the reality of his diagnosis; that he would always be available for a walk when I needed one. And the heartfelt letter he wrote to my mom after my dad passed, was an incredible act of kindness that meant so much to my family. I feel incredibly lucky that our hearts connected in late 2020, and for his phone call wishing me a Merry Christmas on Christmas Eve, wanting to know all the updates in my life. Dr. Foster, you may have left this world in body, but your spirit and soul will live forever lives in the many legacies you have created in the hearts of those who were lucky enough to know you.
Nursing School
