When I first met Heidi Smith, I was in the midst of a rough time of labor - I'd been laboring for about 15 hours and I couldn't take the pain anymore. I was just finishing up my rough labor and, after receiving my epidural, was finally able to open my eyes to the world around me! Heidi was one of the nurses at the shift change and I immediately felt more comfortable. Heidi is a force, a force of kindness, gentleness, compassion, and strength. She laughed with me and shared her life with me while listening to me the whole way through. She made sure I was comfortable in the midst of my nerves as a first time mom and I was so thankful for her at every moment - Whether she was in the room or out. As I was going in and out of sleep, I was praying about the delivery of this baby boy. As it was moving towards 2 am the next day, I had a realization, if I didn't push this baby out in the next 3 hours, there would be another shift change and I'd lose Heidi! I knew other nurses would take great care of me, but the trust and care I experienced with Heidi, I felt like it would almost be like starting all over again. Maybe it sounds silly...but I felt like we had become lifelong friends in the process. Thank God, soon after my prayer/realization, Heidi came in and said it was time to start pushing! At 4:23, my baby boy was born. Throughout labor and every push, Heidi was in my corner and on my team. I felt so encouraged and so championed by her care and by her friendship. I was so sad to see her go but when my son had a quick stint in the NICU later in the day, Heidi was back for another shift and came to check on us. As soon as I saw her, I instantly began to weep. How amazing of a woman, a nurse, a friend to come check on us when she didn't have to. It's been 4 months since the baby was born and I have thought of Heidi on Thanksgiving each day. Besides the astounding, life changing and joyful gift of my son, Heidi's care and friendship was the other undeniable gift I received during my time at Swedish. Thank you, Heidi, for everything! I'm sure you treat every single patient the way you treated me and I am still forever changed.