My husband and I were admitted to induce labor because unfortunately the day before we had found out we had lost our little one. Brenda was the night nurse we had our first night in the hospital. I honestly don't know where to begin to describe the impact Brenda had on us. From beginning, we felt connected to Brenda. She related her own experiences with us. She understood the fears we expressed and the pain we felt. She truly listened to us. We had no idea there were so many resources and support out there for families going through losing a child. Brenda sat with us for what seemed like hours and went over all things we could do with our child in the hospital and all the support groups and resources for coping outside the hospital. We had so many questions and fears, but she alleviated those fears and knew exactly what to say to help us cope.
Fast forward a couple of hours later when our little boy arrived. It happened how everyone had said it might. All of the sudden, without warning, with no one in the room. We called Brenda in. I was terrified and in shock of what had just happened. Overwhelmed with emotions, I couldn't help but cry and feel guilty for my reaction. Brenda was calm and compassionate and made sure I knew that there was no right or wrong way to feel. She held my baby with such respect and was incredibly gentle with him. She wrapped him in the items we chose earlier in the night and let us hold him. She offered to take pictures of us with him and of him by himself. She also took his footprints. We are so thankful she did this when she did because looking back, there are the best pictures we got during our stay. When it came time for shift change, Brenda wasn't in a hurry to pass me off to the next nurse. I'm sure she was exhausted and wanting to go home and sleep but he made sure we were taken care of first and the next shift was set up for success.
On the day of my discharge, I was terrified. I had connected so much with Brenda for the delivery that I wished she could be there for us going home. The nurse we had that morning called Brenda to see if she could be there, and without question, Brenda dropped everything and came to the hospital. She had to work that night, but she gave up her sleep to be there.
I am so thankful to have had Brenda though this devastating time in our lives. She truly is one of the most caring and compassionate people I've ever met. I could not imagine going through this experience without her as my nurse. She always knew what to say and what to do. I aspire to be the person she is and have an impact on someone someday as she had on us.