Holly was my son’s overnight nurse for the first four days of his life. She stepped into one of the scariest moments we’ve ever faced and somehow brought comfort, guidance, and calm as we learned to navigate our new role as parents.

Our NICU stay was “only” seven days long, but in those seven days, our hearts were forever changed as we watched our sweet, innocent baby hooked up to monitors, IVs, and breathing support. Holly was there when I finally got to meet my son, seven hours after his birth. She took my phone and captured photos of me holding him for the very first time.

She listened to our story, answered our questions, and taught us the little things that meant so much – explaining the different beeps of the monitors, showing us how to give our son his first sponge bath, and even making him a name sign with airplanes because she knew his dad was a pilot and his mom loved aviation. Those thoughtful details made us feel seen, cared for, and supported in a way we will never forget. We will forever be grateful for the compassion, care, and heart Holly poured into our family. She truly embodies what nursing is.