I went into spontaneous preterm labor at 30 weeks.  I was evidently not prepared for the way things would go.  My baby was in the NICU for 9 weeks.  Being a first-time mom, becoming a NICU parent, and dealing with postpartum, my journey hasn't been easy.  But Jennifer, who has been my baby's nurse on multiple occasions, has made the load less heavy.  I was unable to carry my baby for 4 weeks, making it harder to bond with him, but every time she assessed him, she made sure to do it with the care I, as his mom, would have.  She validated my feelings and concerns.  On one occasion, she caught something that was overlooked by other professionals, potentially saving my baby's life.  She earned my trust.  She showed love and compassion for my baby, making it easier to take breaks from the NICU and not feel anxiety but peace knowing he was in the best hands.  This isn't a road I would want to be on again, but if I were, I would hope to have her again.  Every NICU parent needs a nurse like Jennifer.  She will make this road less dark, heavy, scary, and lonely.