During the last night of being on the labor and delivery floor, a new RN came into her shift and was assigned to our room. Like the other nurses who helped us during our stay, Melissa was exceptionally nice and compassionate. I was having a bit of a hard time being so vulnerable. Being exposed to so many people on my care team. But that did not stop Melissa; she made me feel comfortable in my own skin.

What stood out about Melissa was the fact that she looked at me like she would any other person. She treated me with so much respect; she listened to my birthing plan and made it possible to the best of her ability. She was all in, willing to track anything. However, the act of compassion that I will never in my life forget about Melissa was right after I had just delivered my daughter. I was in the bathroom cleaning up, still a bit weak and shaky from so much exhaustion. Melissa came in, took some clean rags, ran them under warm water, and, without speaking, she started scrubbing my back. She was so kind; she was helping me ease the pain from the epidural tapes that had run the length of my back.

Melissa then, without hesitation, bent down and helped me wipe down my legs. I felt horrible. I knew it wasn't a pretty sight, and on top of that, the smell of everything was nauseating. But Melissa did not let that stop her from helping me. In that moment, I was at my most vulnerable. I felt a wave of happiness for my daughter, yet I felt so alone. Melissa changed all of that. She made me feel so loved and cared for. She didn't know me, I didn't know her, yet she went above and beyond! I will forever be grateful for what she did for me; that simple gesture made my delivery experience one to remember. I will never be able to thank her enough! She is an exceptional person and a great nurse, a true inspiration!