Jolinda Kelley
December 2023
Jolinda
Kelley
,
BSN, RN
Womens & Childrens Navigation
Wesley Healthcare
Wichita
,
KS
United States
A few days after I was discharged, Jolinda met us at the mortuary and helped us pick out our baby's precious headstone. She gave us the greatest gift of all when she helped us arrange for her headstone to be right next to her son’s. She said, “This way, she never has to be alone.”
I was having what anyone would describe as a “normal” pregnancy until suddenly I wasn’t. I went in for my 20-week anatomy scan and everything changed so quickly. It is never a good sign when the ultrasound tech tells you they need to bring the doctor into the room in the middle of the scan. That day, we learned our baby girl was diagnosed with anhydramnios or no amniotic fluid, and we were told it was very likely that she had a congenital heart defect.
My doctor then referred us to a maternal fetal medicine specialist so we could get a better idea of what we were dealing with. At this point, my husband and I were definitely worried but still hopeful. However, after seeing multiple specialists over the next week, our worst fears were confirmed. Our baby girl had several severe congenital defects, some of which were fatal. We were told to prepare ourselves and that with her condition it was unknown how long she would make it. At the end of our specialist appointment, we were told the perinatal nurse navigator was there to talk to us and would be there to walk this journey with us. In that moment, I knew exactly who was behind that door to talk to us. Jolinda came in and immediately wrapped her arms around me while I broke down. She provided the comfort I needed in that moment and was a constant source of support from there on out.
Since our anatomy scan did not go as we had hoped, my husband and I were heartbroken we didn’t have any photos of our baby we would be able to cherish for years to come. Jolinda set up an appointment for us at a clinic in town so we could have a 4D sonogram. Although we weren’t able to get any 4D pictures, we were able to get some beautiful 2D photos, the only ones we have of her, and we are forever grateful. The wonderful nurse there even captured a recording of her heartbeat for us and put it in a build-a-bear so it would always feel like she was with us.
The next few weeks were filled with uncertainty, anxiety, and countless questions. Jolinda never missed a beat and was always there to answer every question and just check in on us to make sure we were doing the best we could be under the circumstances. She also helped us get in touch with a genetic counselor who could help answer our questions about genetic testing. She knew it was important for us to have a plan in place after delivery so we could hopefully get some answers for future pregnancies.
Almost three weeks after our 20-week anatomy scan, our world stopped when we found out our baby girl no longer had a heartbeat. Even though we knew this would be the eventual outcome, nothing prepares you for the heartbreak of losing a child. When I arrived at the hospital to deliver, Jolinda was one of the first faces I saw. Seeing her face was a comfort in the worst of times. I didn’t have the easiest delivery, but just knowing she was near made it a little better.
Before I was discharged from the hospital the next day, Jolinda came to visit us. We expressed wanting to cremate our baby so we could always have her near, but also wanting a physical place of remembrance at a cemetery where we could go to honor her memory for years to come. After further discussion, we found out we had chosen the same cemetery in which her son was buried. Jolinda told us to let her know when we were ready, and she would go to the mortuary with us.
A few days after I was discharged, she met us at the mortuary and helped us pick out our baby's precious headstone. She gave us the greatest gift of all when she helped us arrange for her headstone to be right next to her son’s. She said, “This way, she never has to be alone.”
Jolinda, there will never be enough words to tell you how thankful we are for you. In the darkest time of our lives, you took some of the burden off our shoulders and made it a little more bearable. You made it possible for us to have memories of our sweet baby girl that we wouldn’t be able to have otherwise. You are not only a coworker but a true friend for life. My husband and I always say that L is our angel in Heaven, but you will always be our angel on Earth for everything you have given us.
My doctor then referred us to a maternal fetal medicine specialist so we could get a better idea of what we were dealing with. At this point, my husband and I were definitely worried but still hopeful. However, after seeing multiple specialists over the next week, our worst fears were confirmed. Our baby girl had several severe congenital defects, some of which were fatal. We were told to prepare ourselves and that with her condition it was unknown how long she would make it. At the end of our specialist appointment, we were told the perinatal nurse navigator was there to talk to us and would be there to walk this journey with us. In that moment, I knew exactly who was behind that door to talk to us. Jolinda came in and immediately wrapped her arms around me while I broke down. She provided the comfort I needed in that moment and was a constant source of support from there on out.
Since our anatomy scan did not go as we had hoped, my husband and I were heartbroken we didn’t have any photos of our baby we would be able to cherish for years to come. Jolinda set up an appointment for us at a clinic in town so we could have a 4D sonogram. Although we weren’t able to get any 4D pictures, we were able to get some beautiful 2D photos, the only ones we have of her, and we are forever grateful. The wonderful nurse there even captured a recording of her heartbeat for us and put it in a build-a-bear so it would always feel like she was with us.
The next few weeks were filled with uncertainty, anxiety, and countless questions. Jolinda never missed a beat and was always there to answer every question and just check in on us to make sure we were doing the best we could be under the circumstances. She also helped us get in touch with a genetic counselor who could help answer our questions about genetic testing. She knew it was important for us to have a plan in place after delivery so we could hopefully get some answers for future pregnancies.
Almost three weeks after our 20-week anatomy scan, our world stopped when we found out our baby girl no longer had a heartbeat. Even though we knew this would be the eventual outcome, nothing prepares you for the heartbreak of losing a child. When I arrived at the hospital to deliver, Jolinda was one of the first faces I saw. Seeing her face was a comfort in the worst of times. I didn’t have the easiest delivery, but just knowing she was near made it a little better.
Before I was discharged from the hospital the next day, Jolinda came to visit us. We expressed wanting to cremate our baby so we could always have her near, but also wanting a physical place of remembrance at a cemetery where we could go to honor her memory for years to come. After further discussion, we found out we had chosen the same cemetery in which her son was buried. Jolinda told us to let her know when we were ready, and she would go to the mortuary with us.
A few days after I was discharged, she met us at the mortuary and helped us pick out our baby's precious headstone. She gave us the greatest gift of all when she helped us arrange for her headstone to be right next to her son’s. She said, “This way, she never has to be alone.”
Jolinda, there will never be enough words to tell you how thankful we are for you. In the darkest time of our lives, you took some of the burden off our shoulders and made it a little more bearable. You made it possible for us to have memories of our sweet baby girl that we wouldn’t be able to have otherwise. You are not only a coworker but a true friend for life. My husband and I always say that L is our angel in Heaven, but you will always be our angel on Earth for everything you have given us.