Plastic Surgery Patient Testimonials
- Written on June 6, 2024
Dr. Rawlings,
First of all, I am thrilled with the results of my explant and lift! The shape and appearance of my breasts look so much better than I could have imagined. You are truly a remarkable surgeon! I am happy to report that my health has greatly improved. I am happy to report that my skin is better than ever (aside from being middle aged) my eyes are brighter, I have no more inflammation and have had zero flare ups of pain or redness in any of my joints. I have an upcoming visit with labs and I fully expect my ANA to be normal. I have more energy, I sleep better than ever, even have dreams which hasn’t happened in what seems like 20 years. I’ve lost 10 pounds and I definitely notice that I can breathe better/deeper. Of all these things, the worst was joint pain and inflammation and it’s no longer an issue anymore. Thank you so much for listening to so many women with the same issues and believing in us. I’m so grateful to have found you and your wonderful staff.
- Written on July 8, 2021
I used Lauren for Botox and Fillers yesterday and she was awesome!!! So personable and committed to understanding what you wanted, explaining the different options and giving her recommendations about the best way to get the results you want. She did a fabulous job, with minimal pain! I highly recommend her!
- Written on July 8, 2021
Dr. Harper made me feel so comfortable and was so so nice. He focused on the results that I wanted and we were able to come up with a plan to make that happen.
- Written on July 8, 2021
Thank you Doctor Paredes. Your experience and excellence were the reason I chose Tallahassee Plastic Surgery for my procedure.
Professional and relaxing atmosphere.
- Written on July 8, 2021
Julia did an excellent job with my fillers!
- Written on January 20, 2020
Sue Ann is the best. Very knowledgeable and aggressive in her treatments. Explains everything in layman’s term and gives benefits and risks.
Tallahassee Plastic Surgery provides excellent skin care through Sue Anne. I have never used a skin care specialist as talented as she. If you are looking for excellent skin care you need to make an appointment with Sue Anne.
Sue Ann is great, and has greatly improved the appearance of my skin, without trying to sell products I don’t need
Sue Ann was awesome! She explained the different procedures and answered all of my questions. I’m looking forward to coming in to my scheduled appointments.
I have been seeing Sue Ann for various aesthetecian services for a few years. She is excellent at everything she does and is extremely knowledgeable about the skin and how to improve and maintain it. I trust her explicitly to provide quality care every time I see her.
Sue Anne Pearce is a wonderful esthetician. She is very well versed in the procedures she conducts and always explains the specifics of the procedure and the healing time. In addition, she is very personable and professional at the same time.
- Written on January 17, 2019
Tallahassee Plastic Surgery Clinic has a beautiful & clean office. Their staff is kind, helpful and quick to return phone calls. I have mostly been cared for by Dr. Parades and he is professional, courteous, kind & caring as are all of the surgeons in this practice. The level of care here is outstanding.
- Written on January 11, 2019
Very friendly office staff impressed pronounced my name like native
- Written on January 8, 2019
Such nice sweet caring people!
- Written on September 5, 2018
“Good experience. I left feeling very confident with the doctor and the facility.”
- Written on August 1, 2018
Excellent Customer Service!
- Written on June 21, 2018
Happy Patient
- Written on June 5, 2018
What a great place. Always on time. Very Friend…
- Written on May 3, 2018
I find the staff and Dr. Paredes to be very friendly and knowledgeable. Dr. Paredes always takes the time to fully explain whatever procedure he is doing.
- Written on March 31, 2018
Very professional group to work with. Everyone makes you feel welcomed. Very pleased with results.
- Written on March 1, 2018
Always excellent service, would never consider going anywhere else!
- Written on March 1, 2018
Dr. Harper ‘s team is great and often responds to your telephone follow-ups.
- Written on February 24, 2018
I have always been treated with the utmost professionalism, with respect and kindness. Dr. Rawlings and staff provide the best of care and solutions. As long as Dr. Rawlings and Sue Ann are there I will utilize their services when needed.
- Written on February 14, 2018
My experience with Dr. Harper and the staff was very positive. All my questions and concerns were answered thoroughly. I highly recommend Tallahassee Plastic Surgery Clinic.
- Written on February 13, 2018
Love the clinic, the staff and Dr. Rawlings! They are wonderful and he is an artist in his fantastic work.
- Written on February 9, 2018
My visit was perfect! I have never felt so comfortable in a consultation visit before. Meeting with Dr. Paredes and his staff left me with the confidence that I definitely found the right doctor for my procedure!
- Written on February 1, 2018
Great experience on my initial visit / consultation. I got all my questions answered and I felt very comfortable with my selection of the surgeon, Dr. Paredes. He was very knowledgeable and pleasant to work with. I am looking forward to seeing my results.
- Written on January 28, 2018
Mallory is amazing at doing injections. She has given me Botox and filler a few times and it always looks great. She is so light handed that I can hardly feel it! Comparing the quality of service and the finished product with other places I’ve tried before for injections, this is definitely the best! I won’t use anyone else again!
- Written on November 28, 2017
I was very pleased with my visit to your office. All of the people to whom I spoke were nice and answered all the questions I had. Thank you.
- Written on November 13, 2017
I’ve always had wonderful and prompt service.
- Written on November 10, 2017
Dr. Larry was very informative. He made sure I understood the details of my surgery before it was scheduled!
- Written on October 31, 2017
I have had several procedures at Tallahassee Plastic Surgery beginning in April 2017. Dr. Parades and his staff have supported me at every turn. Growing up in south Florida, way before we knew about the damaging affects of the sun, I am trying to reverse the skin damage and rejuvenate my skin. TPS has helped me achieve my goals through surgery and skin care. I am feeling more like my old self and have more confidence. TPS offers a conservative, helpful approach and listens to your needs! Thank you.
- Written on October 24, 2017
As usual..the appts are prompt and Julia is great!
- Written on October 20, 2017
Dr. Rawlings and his staff are the best!
- Written on October 19, 2017
Very professional organization. I will continue to recommend.
- Written on September 28, 2017
Julia is always so helpful and Samantha too!
- Written on September 25, 2017
Thank you for the outstanding care by Dr. Paredes and his team!
- Written on September 21, 2017
I like Dr. Harper and his staff hospitality
- Written on September 19, 2017
Dr. Rawlings and Staff,
Words cannot express my gratitude for all your concerns and medical knowledge that helps me gain a feeling of being a whole individual again. Your kindness and your patience with me is highly appreciated. Your staff is an AWESOME group. I will never forget you. Thanks so much
- Written on September 19, 2017
Dr. Rawlings,
It would be difficult for me to encapsulate the enormous joy I know to be real in my life now- but I do know how it happened- YOU. I want to express my deepest, heartfelt gratitude to you for the exquisite, perfect job you did on my breasts. They are so lovely already and this is just the beginning. No amount of money could possibly compensate you for the miracle you gave me. You are truly gifted and have given me a new life. I love myself, my body and now my breasts more than I ever have in my whole life. Thank you so much Dr. Rawlings.
- Written on September 19, 2017
Dr. Rawlings and Staff,
Thank you so much for the complimentary facial that I enjoyed this week. It was a wonderful experience. The staff made me feel very special and did an excellent job.
- Written on September 19, 2017
Dr. Rawlings,
Forgot to mention while I was there on Thursday getting Botox, what an always friendly, helpful staff you have. Love my Botox!
- Written on September 19, 2017
Dear Dr. Rawlings,
Thank you so much for arranging for _________to remove my stitches. I really appreciate you doing this for me.
Thank you also for your excellent work. I’m enjoying my improved appearance. And thanks to your excellent staff for my care before and after my surgery. I’ll see you all in the fall.
- Written on September 19, 2017
Dr. Rawlings,
Thank you seems so inadequate. I am so blessed to call you my favorite doctor and my friend. The artistic eye, talented hands, and warm caring heart that God gave you truly make you “one of a kind”.
You will never know how much you have changed me. Not just my physical body but my soul as well. God Bless you! I am a better person because of you.
- Written on September 19, 2017
Dr. Rawlings,
Thank you for your professional and generous care. It is very much appreciated.
- Written on September 19, 2017
Dr. Rawlings,
I want to thank you for the kindness and generosity you have shown to my good friend. You did a beautiful job, as always. Your compassion will be remembered.
- Written on September 19, 2017
Dr. Rawlings,
I cannot thank you enough for doing such a great job on my eyes.
I am so happy with all of the work you have done. You are AWESOME!
- Written on September 19, 2017
Dr. Rawlings,
We thank you for all that you have done. We thank you for your patience and generosity. We really appreciate it. We thank you! You are awesome.
- Written on September 19, 2017
Dr. Rawlings,
It is hard to believe that this time last year we had not yet met. You all have become such a valued part of my life in such a short time.
Words are not adequate to express the appreciation, respect and love that I have in my heart for each of you.
My life is forever changed in a wonderful way. Because you are now a part of it forever.
- Written on September 19, 2017
Dr. Rawlings and Staff,
Thank you so much for the great care, compassion and kindness I’ve received from you during my recent surgery.
It’s wonderful to know that you truly care about your patients. Keep up the wonderful work you do.
Thank You,
- Written on September 14, 2017
From the minute I step into the office, I am at ease and feel welcome. The reception staff is very friendly and helpful. Words can’t describe my level of trust in the medical staff. They are caring, professional and knowledgeable. Dr Paredes is not just an excellent physician but an artist. I am thankful that he and his staff have helped me complete my goals.
- Written on September 13, 2017
I am so glad I chose to go here. I felt very at ease, and their prices are competitive. My PA was great, and I am so happy with the results.
- Written on September 7, 2017
I had a wonderful experience. The staff was friendly and helpful. My waiting time was minimal. The doctor was very informative and understanding.
- Written on August 10, 2017
Dr. Harper is wonderful! Beth and the rest of the staff are wonderful, too. I appreciate their kindness for my problems.
- Written on August 9, 2017
Everyone in this office is courteous and concerned and do their very best to make sure your appointment time is met.
- Written on July 26, 2017
Very informative and helpful consultation
- Written on July 24, 2017
Professional and welcoming atmosphere.
- Written on July 12, 2017
Friendly staff and very accommodating. Doctor was very knowledgeable. I am very excited about my procedure!
- Written on July 6, 2017
The Staff and Doctors at Tallahassee Plastic Surgery Clinic are true professionals — very courteous and accommodating. The advice given by Staff pre-opt and post-opt is very thorough and they walk you through any and all procedures step by step from A to Z. Excellent service!
- Written on June 22, 2017
Dr. Harper and his staff are great. I have no complaints, because he was very informative, respectful, made sure I was okay, and he did an awesome job. I am very satisfied with my results so far.
- Written on June 12, 2017
I have had botox done here several times and the staff are very nice and polite and really seem to care. I would highly recommend Tallahassee Plastic Surgery.
- Written on May 24, 2017
I can’t say enough good things about this practice group! Julia does botox for me and she is fast, friendly, and always does an amazing job. Dr. Paredes has “worked” on me twice and he is fabulous too; he’s very knowledgeable and skilled, a great listener, and has a wonderful bedside manner. Staff is efficient and responsive too. It doesn’t get better than this.
- Written on May 24, 2017
Amazing consultation with Dr Paredes! He spent the time to explain and detail exactly what I need to do to have a successful outcome!
- Written on May 23, 2017
Had an appointment for breast reduction. The staff was very polite and nice. The office was very clean and neat.
- Written on May 5, 2017
Dr. Rawlings, Sharon and Tammy are great!
- Written on April 28, 2017
Mallory is great! Explained everything thoroughly to me, and answered all my questions! I am recommending to my friends that are interested in Botox and fillers to make appointments with Mallory!
- Written on April 14, 2017
Dr. Harper is truly wonderful!!
- Written on April 12, 2017
The service provided is exceptional. Dr. Harper and staff are awesome!!
- Written on April 7, 2017
Everyone with Tallahassee Plastic Surgery is very friendly and professional. They go out of their way to make your appointment pleasant.
- Written on April 5, 2017
Thank you, Dr. Harper, for the kind, and respectful consultation. You took your time with me and explained everything thoroughly. You are an amazing man in your field. As your patient, I feel I am in safe and caring hands. I have never been disappointed with any of the treatments I have had at the Tallahassee Plastic Surgery Clinic. The staff is friendly and professional. All top notch people.
- Written on April 3, 2017
Find my review under feedback, below.
- Written on March 30, 2017
Dr. Paredes is so amazing!! He is patient and kind and perfection at surgery! I love the staff as well.
- Written on March 15, 2017
Dr. Harper was very professional, knowledgeable, and answered all my questions and concerns. I would recommend anyone to make a consult and find out your options. I’m happy I did…
- Written on March 7, 2017
Excellent service & results
- Written on March 6, 2017
As always, Dr. Harper and his staff were very courteous, comprehensive, knowledgeable and kind. Unfortunately, my breast situation is not correctable, which is depressing.
- Written on March 3, 2017
I felt completely comfortable as soon as I met my nurse and Dr. Harper. Both were incredibly professional and answered any of the questions I had in reference to my future surgery. They were very friendly and made me feel very confident about my decision to have my surgery and I scheduled my surgery right after my consultation!
- Written on March 3, 2017
I have been a patient since 2015. They are always courteous and professional in my care!! I never have to wait past 15 minutes for my appointments and are apologizing for the delay. Recommend to anyone!!
- Written on February 14, 2017
Thank you for making me feel comfortable with choosing your office. You associates are very kind and understanding.
- Written on February 12, 2017
Dr. Paredes, Thank you again for your kindness and for being so professional and trustworthy. I think you are great and I told my Mom about you.
- Written on February 9, 2017
Dr. Harper’s staff is caring and considerate. When you are going through something as devastating as a breast cancer diagnosis it is important to receive the best treatment from an empathetic staff.
- Written on February 3, 2017
Dr. Paredes spent a lot of time with me and was very thorough and caring.
- Written on January 31, 2017
Wonderful atmosphere, great service as well as an excellent doctor!
- Written on January 20, 2017
5 star!!!!Awesome visit. Was not rushed by physician. Dr. Rawlings was extremely professional and personable. I have used him in the past with fabulous results. Wouldn’t use anyone else. His nurse was fantastic!
- Written on January 13, 2017
My recovery was without complications and I became my new self in a few weeks. I am very grateful to Dr. Harper and have referred several friends to him.
- Written on January 12, 2017
I LOVE Dr. Rawlings and his staff! Everyone made me feel so beautiful and amazing! Will highly recommend him to everyone.
- Written on January 6, 2017
My journey with breast cancer began in November 2015 and my most recent office visit was January 4, 2017. Dr. Paredes and his team provide exemplary medical service and they never left my side for one moment. Without reservation or question, I would highly recommend Tallahassee Plastic Surgery Clinic.
- Written on January 4, 2017
You could not be in better hands than Dr. Larry Harper and his staff for any of your cosmetic surgery needs. They are attentive, friendly and give a first class service.
- Written on December 22, 2016
Dr. Paredes, Thank you for the awesome job you did on my surgery. Thanks for taking the time to listen and answer my questions. I will certainly recommend your services.
- Written on December 19, 2016
When arriving for appointment with Dr. Paredes. the receptionist said Dr Paredes wasn’t in today. My appointment was suppose to be with his MA Julia. Seems there was a booking error but Julia did see me even though I was not scheduled.
- Written on December 15, 2016
Satisfied that I will get answers on how to resolve the problem. May not be the desired answer but have confidence it will be in my best interest.
- Written on December 7, 2016
Lovely waiting room. Everyone was so nice.
- Written on December 2, 2016
Excellent and friendly service!
- Written on December 2, 2016
Everything was great! Dr Rawlings was amazing!
- Written on November 18, 2016
Great job, as always. Thank you!
- Written on November 17, 2016
I feel so much confidence in the way I look and feel. Dr Rawling is a very competent and caring doctor. I would recommend him and his staff. They are so friendly and make you feel like you’re their only priority when you are there.
- Written on November 17, 2016
I’ve had nothing but wonderful experiences and It’s always a pleasure to visit the Tallahassee Plastic Surgery Clinic. The staff always greets me with a warm smile and makes me feel very comfortable when I arrive for my appointments. Treatments and procedures are done with skill and care and I have the utmost confidence in Dr. Rawlings. I frequently recommend him and the clinic to my friends.
- Written on November 17, 2016
Very beautiful building with a very well mannered and professional staff. After my visit, I am very confident that my daughter will be in good hands with Dr. Paredes when it is time for her procedure.
- Written on November 5, 2016
Dr. Paredes,
Last week my mother and I were in your office due to her recent breast cancer diagnosis. I wanted to express my gratitude for the time you spent talking to her; it was like you had nothing else to do. There are not many doctors like you around. Please keep up what you are doing.
- Written on October 31, 2016
I feel better about how I look. That is what really matters. Mallory did the work and it requires a sure touch, which she has in abundance! I plan to return quarterly for more of the same.
- Written on October 27, 2016
Dear Dr. Paredes,
I really appreciate the information and advice you gave us the last time we talked to you in your office. We were deciding at the time when to set up the second surgery to replace the expanders with the implants. You mentioned that everyone has to wait four months; that it actually was better for our bodies to wait as much as a year but that most women don’t wait that long and opt for the four-month schedule.
So we talked and decided that with you and your office’s support, I would give my body more time to heal. I think it has been a very good decision for me. I feel that my skin, muscles, and emotions are much stronger. While the expanders have not been comfortable and I have had days when I’ve questioned my decision, I know if I were to make that decision today, I would not make it again the same way.
I do look forward to seeing you. I don’t know if you know it but you are a bright spot in your patient’s day. You exude confidence, knowledge, kindness, and an uplifting, positive support.
The whole family prays for you and yours … your family and your staff.
Thank you for all you do.
- Written on October 14, 2016
Really Liked my visit with Dr. Paredes. He was very comforting and his support person Julia was great.
- Written on September 15, 2016
Dr. Paredes was very informative and prepared with a plan for what I anticipated would be a process for some corrective surgery following my plane crash. I look forward to working with him and his team.
- Written on September 15, 2016
Dr. Paredes,
Thanks so much for taking care of me. Your professionalism and kindness put me at ease knowing my recovery was in competent hands. Thank you!
- Written on September 14, 2016
5 Stars to the best plastic surgery clinic in town!
- Written on September 12, 2016
Excellent, excellent care and service! Thank you!
- Written on September 1, 2016
Excellent experience! From completing the new patient paper work, doctor consultation, scheduling and discussing fees, all the staff was friendly, knowledgeable and made me feel comfortable during my appointment. THANK YOU
- Written on August 17, 2016
Dr. Harper and his staff made me feel very comfortable. I am for sure returning to have my procedure done by him.
- Written on August 16, 2016
I was absolutely impressed
- Written on August 3, 2016
Dr. Paredes and his staff were extremely thorough in explaining the options available to me. Dr. Paredes was careful to make sure that all of my questions were answered and I had a clear understanding of the next steps. His warm manner made me feel at ease and that I was going to get the best care available!
- Written on August 2, 2016
Dr. Paredes, Julia, Samantha, and everyone at Tallahassee Plastic Surgery,
I was without the words to tell you how I felt about all of you until I found this card!
Dr. Paredes, you told me last year that you would go through this journey with me and you and all of your staff went above and beyond in your care for me. I faced this as a new adventure and we wouldn’t have gone through it with anyone but you. Every time we came we were met with smiling faces and we knew immediately that everything would be okay. To all of you I say thank you, thank you. If there is ever anything we can do I hope you will call on us.
- Written on July 24, 2016
I had an excellent first time experience. Dr. Harper was open and honest with me; he also explained everything in detail. The staff was very professional. The waiting room and exam room was comfortable and welcoming.
- Written on July 23, 2016
Dear Dr. Paredes & team,
Words cannot adequately express my gratitude for the care you have provided (and continue to provide!) Your mix of compassion and professionalism are heads & shoulders above so many—thank you for your excellence—it makes a difference! Warm regards,
- Written on July 19, 2016
Very friendly and ca ring of my situation.
- Written on July 1, 2016
As always the staff and Dr. R is amazing ! I have never met a more professional staff
- Written on June 21, 2016
The staff was courteous from reception to the patient rooms, which is refreshing in a practice that is clearly as busy as yours. Dr. Rawlings and his nurses were attentive and sensitive to my concerns as my surgery is to be a revision. They are cooperative in working with my insurance and explained that process thoroughly before I left. I am looking forward to setting my surgery date.
- Written on June 16, 2016
Extremely friendly staff. Nice clean office. Perfect environment.
- Written on June 15, 2016
Dr. Paredes,
Thank you so much for the care that you gave me for my surgery [date omitted]. I felt at ease with you and extremely pleased with the results. You have an amazing bedside manner and truly take the time with your patients. Thank you.
- Written on May 23, 2016
Professional, courteous staff who are attentive to detail. Great experience.
- Written on May 23, 2016
Dear Dr. Paredes,
Thank you for giving me the confidence to go forward with my breast augmentation. You were incredibly generous with your time and patience with my multitude of questions, and went above & beyond to explain everything to me thoroughly. I am grateful for that.
Your entire team at TPSC was wonderful, always professional, friendly and so helpful. It has been only three weeks since my surgery and I am thrilled with the results; so is my husband! Your sage advice and excellent surgical skills have given me the beautiful breasts I’ve always wanted. I cannot thank you enough!
- Written on May 18, 2016
I am always impressed by the staff and doctors.
- Written on May 11, 2016
I have been very impressed with the professional and caring attitude of all staff encountered.
- Written on May 4, 2016
The staff treats you with respect and courteous service and Dr. Paredes is extremely talented. His passion for perfection and desire to enhance the quality of life for his patients is in matched. I’m proud to be his patient and will be a repeat patient.
- Written on May 3, 2016
I never thought I would say that I “enjoy” being a patient at any doctor’s office but Dr. Paredes and the staff at the Tallahassee Plastic Surgery Clinic not only make it easy to say that but it is literally true!!! I am really happy that I chose this wonderful team to work with. The staff is very professional, courteous, caring and they make you feel special from the moment you walk in their office until it is time to leave. As a breast cancer survivor, I am still in the process of undergoing reconstructive breast surgery after a mastectomy in December 2015. They are absolutely wonderful!
- Written on April 19, 2016
Awesome place! I felt so comfortable at my appt and was super pleased!
- Written on April 18, 2016
Loved Dr. Parades! Very professional, easy to understand, explained everything to a “T.” I would highly recommend this Doctor to anyone looking for a plastic surgeon. I felt extremely comfortable talking with him.
- Written on April 16, 2016
This is an amazing office. Great staff who made me feel right at home. I will recommend this office for any and all plastic surgery needs.
- Written on April 12, 2016
All the staff is here is exceptional they have made every thing pre surgery a breeze and I’m looking forward to the appointment next Wednesday!
- Written on April 2, 2016
I thank you for taking the time to make all your patients feel special. You are an answer to a lot of prayers seeking doctors in this area that truly care about their patients as persons, and make them feel at ease. You are truly a ray of sunshine, for a lot of people, and I thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for that. I pray for you, your associates and patients, every day. I also pray that each patient realizes how lucky they are to have you as their doctor. I know I am blessed!
I thank you for accepting me as a patient. And, for trying to help alleviate some of the chronic pain I have been living with since 1993. I can’t put into words what that means to me. But, I do want you to know I appreciate you very much.
- Written on March 13, 2016
Dr. Paredes,
Thank you for your generosity for [patient organization name omitted]. We have thoroughly enjoyed you as a surgeon and friend. When events like this here happen your life is really turned upside down. It was such a pleasure to place our trust in a gifted surgeon as yourself. Even better is the warmness you provided at every visit. If we can ever do anything to help you, please do not hesitate to call on us.
- Written on February 14, 2016
Dr. Paredes,
Just a quick thank you for taking such good care of my dearest friend [patient name omitted]. I sincerely value the level of expertise and caution with which you’ve treated her. It only reinforces my personal opinion of your outstanding professionalism and makes me grateful to have recommended you.
- Written on January 11, 2016
Dr. Paredes,
A huge thank you to you and your staff for the perfect breast augmentation! As you could tell at my follow up, I am thrilled and I am extremely grateful for your expertise and patience to ensure the best results. Thank you again for everything!
- Written on December 12, 2015
Dr. Paredes,
Without everything you and your staff did for me, I know I would not be here to say thank you for making my journey so much better than I ever thought possible. Keep helping others survive!
- Written on November 28, 2015
I wanted to thank you for take the time to explain my procedure and options so well. You gave us the needed information to face this surgery and look forward to raising my son. Thank you for helping us through this and giving me confidence.
- Written on October 11, 2015
Dr. Paredes,
I thank you for taking the time to make all your patients feel special. You are an answer to a lot of prayers seeking doctors in this area that truly care about their patients as persons, and make them feel at ease. You are truly a ray of sunshine, for a lot of people, and I thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for that. I pray for you, your associates and patients, every day. I also pay that each patient realizes how lucky they are to have you as their doctor. I know I am blessed!