In November 2020 our son had to undergo surgery. He is 2 years old and has Down Syndrome. As you can imagine my husband and I were a wreck. Not only scared for our son but also worried about our other kids at home. When we finally got to our room we were greeted with the most lovely nurse, Barb. She came in and introduced herself to us but more importantly rushed to our son's side to make him feel comfortable. She took her time hooking him up to the monitors and talked him through what she was doing. She loved on him and calmed him down even when we couldn't. She had exclaimed that she was called in on her day off and was so glad that she was because she got to meet our son. She rushed around the floor to find foods that he could have and what he liked and found him toys and made him laugh. After doing all of that with a huge smile she ensured my husband and I knew all the good places to eat and made sure we knew our way around the hospital. She brought everyone to look through the glass to wave at him just to make him feel special.
I could continue giving all the small details but what truly truly made her and our experience so special was our discharge. Barb was so sad to say goodbye to K. When we were fully discharged Barb rounded up everyone, I mean everyone, and as K walked down the hallway waving and blowing kisses all the nurses and doctors that were nearby stood and clapped and cheered him on! He was so excited and happy. She got down on one knee and hugged our baby (with our permission of course) and told him that he had made her so happy! Our hearts melted! Wow!!! This woman cared and loved on our little man and ensured he was comfortable in a strange environment, any child, none the less one with a disability, needs that kind of care and she delivered that plus more. If COVID didn't prevent us from visiting her to bring flowers and love we would ourselves. Thank you Barb for doing more than making our experience at Advent a good one, you made a little special man heal faster by opening your heart and sharing your beautiful spirit!
Note: This is Barb's 2nd DAISY Award!