We arrived at West Penn to have our first-ever baby. We were to be induced at 12:15 AM on Monday. Our nurse got us situated and checked us in. In mere moments, she had cut through all the formality of patient and nurse, making it feel like we were in good hands. I cannot begin to list everything that she managed to do for us. From providing more and more pillows to help with comfort to explaining everything that came and what to expect in a demystifying way that made the complicated and somewhat scary down-to-earth and understandable. She gave us so much advice from her experience that would pay dividends throughout the birthing process. She checked in on us and my partner's well-being with such delicate care; we knew we were in great hands. Connecting with me put my unease to rest and put womanly concerns about my body to rest as well. We were sad to see her leave at shift change; granted, she ensured continuity of care by staying a bit past her shift to say goodbye, introducing our new nurse, and genuinely wishing us the best of luck.

We were pleasantly surprised that she was our nurse once again the following night. Words cannot express the level of encouragement that she provided. She talked through every doubt with me, every step of the process, with such care and confidence that it made every step, every pain, and every worry manageable. She helped translate the complexities, potential issues, and treatment with such ease and simple terms that we always felt in the know, put first, and confident that I could do it. As the night went on, my labor became more difficult. I can honestly say I don’t know if I would have been able to deliver our baby without her.

After delivering our baby, I was diagnosed with severe pre-eclampsia. What felt like my lowest of lows, this special nurse provided the compassion, care, and grace to help me through my worries as a new mom and my new wounds and pains, in a way that made the impossible manageable and even possible. Words cannot describe the level of grace and compassion she displayed. Above and beyond should be her nickname, as literally she exemplified this throughout every hour, minute, and second she cared for us.