I have come to envision my stay here with E as being at sea in the middle of a wicked storm, looking for the shore or our lighthouse. I thought that I would sense the comfort of seeing that beam of light as the days come closer to extubation or to discharge. This was not the case; our lighthouse is Sydney.

When I felt like I was nearly drowning in literal tears day after day, she brought you into our room. She took the time to decorate his door, not only with his name but his newfound appreciation for Angry Birds. As Christmas was fast approaching, she made snowflakes, red & green chains, a countdown for Christmas, and brought us smiles & comfort from her presence.

Sydney is a nurse, one who, yes indeed, is "trained to care for the sick," but what she brings to each night she works is so much more than that minuscule definition. I wait all week for the weekend, because I know both myself and E can sleep through the night when she is here.

The impeccable care and attention to detail not only on the clinical side of the bed but also the motherly side when I sleep is more than a new mother could ask for. I was so hesitant to leave him and go get sleep. I'm sure she could see my anxiousness from the staff parking lot, and she still reassured me she would be right there.

Sydney was the first person I left my son with overnight ever. I trust her. I know any mother reading this, or that has ever been in Helen DeVos, knows... this is hard. I want to thank whoever hired Sydney because she was my light from our lighthouse when I never thought I would see shore. She belongs here and deserves to be recognized for other children just as much as she does for mine. I will forever be grateful for you, Sydney; you truly are an amazing nurse, and my son and I both love you dearly.