If compassion alone could have saved my baby, my baby would still be alive today because of Leah. No one expects to hear the words that your baby will not make it. At 19 weeks of gestation, I never imagined this would be my outcome, our outcome. Not only did Leah give me a safe place to cry, but she also held me. She held me through it all. She held me through the delivery of my baby.

My husband and I did not know the sex of our baby until he was delivered. While digesting the devastating news that our baby would be stillborn, we started talking about girl names. One name considered was Leah. Named after the incredible nurse who provided so much empathy and care during the hardest hours of our lives. Leah went above and beyond. She stayed well beyond her shift ending to make sure we were okay. I don't believe she left the hospital until well after 8:00 pm. Her shift ended at 5:30 pm.

I have truly never met someone like her. She was present throughout, giving me enough space to grieve but also being that warm and comforting friend in a time of need. Leah deserves so much praise for her exceptional skills as a nurse. One of a kind. I don't believe she will truly understand the impact she left on my life that day. I'm forever thankful to have someone that kind take care of me during the most vulnerable hours.