I was hospitalized for two days for postpartum preeclampsia just five days after giving birth to my beautiful son. It was supposed to be a time of rest and bonding, but instead, I found myself overwhelmed by a whirlwind of physical pain and emotional exhaustion. I was recovering from an unexpected C-Section, trying to manage postpartum hypertension, navigating the painful process of my milk coming in, and facing the heartbreaking decision not to breastfeed, all while trying to adjust to the intense new role of being a mom.

Through this extremely vulnerable time, my nurse completely changed my experience. Shamiya cared for me during the night shift and became the emotional anchor I didn't know I needed. One night, everything finally hit me: the fear, the exhaustion, the pain. I broke down crying in my hospital bed, completely overwhelmed. I told her, through tears, that I was struggling to cope with how fast everything had changed. I had gone from anticipating a vaginal birth to having an unplanned C-Section. Then came the shock of postpartum preeclampsia, the fear of being readmitted, and the added layer of stress over breastfeeding and my milk coming in all in the span of just a few days. Shamiya didn't flinch. She didn't rush out or pass me off. She sat down with me. She stayed. She truly listened. She allowed me space to talk, cry, and unravel all the fear and guilt I had been holding in. She validated my emotions and helped me begin to process the grief of things not going the way I'd hoped or planned.

She said something I'll never forget: "I don't want to leave you in this room by yourself if you're sad." In that moment, I didn't feel like just another patient. I felt like a person, like a mother, a woman going through something heavy, and someone who deserved tenderness. I felt safe. As I continued to cry, I developed a headache. Without hesitation, Shamiya brought me a warm compress, and the comfort it gave was more than physical; it was thoughtful, personal, and healing. She also made sure I had ice packs for my engorged breast, as recommended by the lactation consultant, all while continuing to talk with me and gently affirming my emotions. It felt like a mini therapy session, and I can honestly say it helped me turn a major emotional corner. She reminded me that "fed is best" and that taking care of myself was just as important as caring for my baby. She talked me through everything I was feeling and reminded me to take things one day at a time - words that continue to carry me through.

In those moments with Shamiya, I didn't just receive care, I received compassion. She gave me back my sense of control, my strength, and the grace to be gentle with myself during such a fragile time. Shamiya helped me feel whole again. Shamiya gave me the space to break down, be heard, and rise again with a little more peace. She treated me with dignity and heart, and I will never forget the way she showed up for me when I needed it most. Please honor Shamiya with the DAISY award. She is not only an extraordinary nurse, but she is also my angel. Her care extended far beyond medicine; it reached into the emotional, vulnerable parts of motherhood that are rarely acknowledged. She helped me begin healing, not just physically but emotionally. I will carry her compassion with me for the rest of my journey.

Note: This is Shamiya's 2nd DAISY Award!