My due date was the 10th. On the 7th, I woke up and didn't feel my baby moving, which was completely abnormal. I called the doctor, and she told me to come in to be checked; as it turned out, I had preeclampsia. My blood pressure was super high, and it was decided I'd be admitted. I was on medication to soften my cervix so that I could hopefully dilate and be induced. I was also on magnesium, blood pressure medicine, and a whole host of other things.

On Monday morning, the 8th, I was so uncomfortable and had a horrible night; I cried all night because of how much pain I was in, and woke up in the morning to find out that nothing was happening. After 20 hours of trying, I wasn't softening or dilating. In walks Alicia, all smiley and chipper, introducing herself as my day shift nurse. I responded by saying, "Nice to meet you, I'm miserable." She was taken aback by that but giggled. She asked if there was anything that she could do, and I told her I desperately wanted a C-section because of how uncomfortable I was. That morning, after the doctor came in and spoke with me, we decided the best course of action was indeed a C-section.

From that moment, Alicia did everything she could to speed up the process. She was on the phone with other departments, making sure that I was able to get in for a C-section that day. She made sure I was comfortable and did anything she could to ease my pain and talk me through the morning. My C-section was scheduled for that afternoon. I was in so much pain and so uncomfortable, I was just happy to be rolled out of the room and into the C-section suite. When we got there, Alicia did not leave my side. I was so nervous to get an epidural, and I guess my nerves led to me moving while the anesthesiologist tried to perform the procedure. She grabbed my hands, looked me in the eyes, and told me to put my forehead on hers and focus on her. She assured me she would be there with me the whole time. Writing this is bringing me to tears because in that moment, I never felt so safe.

After the baby was born around 2 PM, there was a lot going on, and by the time I got back to my room, settled in, had time with my baby and initial visitors, it was time for her to leave. She had told me she was off for the next four days and wouldn't be back until Friday, so I wouldn't see her. I was actually in the hospital from Sunday to Thursday. I wanted nothing more than to go home, but I also wanted nothing more than to hug her and thank her for putting up with me and just being such a light at the end of the tunnel. It has taken me seven months to write this, even though I think about it all the time. I've contemplated how I could thank her or what I can send, or how to get in touch with her and thank her in person, and then I found out about the DAISY Award. I may never see her again, or talk to her again, but I hope that if I have another baby, she's my nurse.

Alicia was professional, empathetic, and made sure that I didn't go through it alone, even though my husband was right there. I hope this nomination lets her know just a little bit of how much respect and gratitude I have for her. She may not think anything she did that day was special or unique, but to me, it was. She may not remember me, but I'll never forget her. I hope Alicia is awarded this prestigious honor.