There literally aren’t any words to describe the kind of care we received from Meredith, Hanna, and Jean (and all the other RNs and CNAs).

When we first arrived at AFCH, C didn’t have a big understanding on why he was there and what was going on, Meredith got down to his level to speak to him, and asked him many times how he was feeling, and if he had any questions for her about what was happening, and made sure all his questions were answered before leaving, not matter how busy she was.  She was very attentive to his needs and always had an incredible attitude when she came to our room.

I also need it to be mentioned that not only was Meredith incredible with my baby boy, but she also took care of me and C’s dad.  At one point, she physically grabbed my arm to turn me away from everything and ask how I was doing, and what she could do to help me, which I’m not sure if she could tell, but that is exactly what I needed.  Seriously, Meredith, we love and appreciate everything you did for us, and we miss you!

Jean got the rough end of the stick and was our nighttime nurse…and C loves his sleep.  But holy cow, when she had to wake him up in the middle of the night for vitals, she did it with such care in her voice and such compassion.  C had a couple of accidents in the middle of the night, and Jean did so well reassuring him that it was ok, and seriously changed the sheets in record time.  Jean was a ray of sunshine that night with her fun colors!  Jean, you were such a joy at such late hours, and not everyone has the patience to do what you do, and we appreciate you so much!

If there is one thing C is going to remember from this hospital visit, I am so happy to say it’s the people and not what he had to go through while there.  Hanna left such an impression on C, it truly is unbelievable.  They made sure C felt more at home then at the hospital.  There were discussions about video games, Dragon Ball Z, and C’s favorite subject, Pokémon.  Hanna also did such an incredible job calming me down when C’s BP was high, or if I did what I do best and work myself up.

Last thing, I promise, Hanna made C’s whole life while being there by giving him the OK to eat food outside of the hospital…. McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets.

C is an emotional little boy, but doesn’t open up to everyone, but holy cow, does he have some serious love for Meredith and Hanna.  There were many, many tears shed when they were leaving us, and if their names got brought up any time after that, C would get a little sad that he couldn’t see his favorites, Meredith and Hanna, anymore.  (PS, don’t tell Andrew the CAN, but he got booted down to fourth place in the favorites…Sorry).

Being a parent to a sick child is hard, especially when you don't know what's going on, but when I say I don’t think I would have made it through our stay without these three, I’m not lying.  We had a running joke while we were there that AFCH was the Ritz-Carlton of the Hospital, or as C would call it, the Rich Carlton, mainly because of our incredible nursing team.