Some time ago I was working with a 75 year old patient who had been sexually, physically and psychologically abused throughout her life. She had developed chronic agorophobia having not left the confines of her house/garden for 14 years (except two emergency admissions to hospital for physical care needs). I worked with her for a substantial amount of time using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. She responded well and in time I discharged her. Some time after discharge I recieved a telephone call from her stating she was in a Tesco store, some ten miles from her home, on her own doing her own shopping. She stated how wonderful life was and that lots of new opportunities had opened up for her. She said: "Thank you for making such a difference to my life." That's why I came into nursing some 34 years ago and I still get the biggest buzz ever.