Empathetic, selfless, kind, and humble are all attributes that describe an incredible nurse, Lily Case. Throughout the past few months, I have tried to gather my emotions enough to write this story. The time has come when composure has been formed, and peace has found its place. It was a cold and snowy January night that I will never forget. At 28 weeks pregnant with our third baby, my amniotic fluid was leaking. My husband and I had gone to a neighboring hospital where I was diagnosed with early labor and now considered high risk. I needed to be transferred to a high-risk OB unit and high-level NICU. No ambulances were taking transfers, only 911 calls. The neighboring hospital was not confident that I could make it to a facility that was credentialed in these aspects. I was discharged. With my cervix leaking amniotic fluid, my husband took me to the only facility that we felt confident in: Pikeville Medical Center.

Traveling our way through the snow and ice that night, we made it to the emergency department. The outstanding emergency room department staff readily recognized our need as soon as entering the doors. I was taken to the fourth-floor OB unit. In our time of chaos, we saw familiar faces and hands that calmed us that night. The doctor took the appropriate protocol for my condition; she stabilized my baby girl and me. There for the long haul. I was hospitalized on complete bed rest for the next forty-two days. During my experience, God sent an angel to watch over me: Lily Case. Emotions were running high. I have two other older children who needed me at home, and I was unable to be there for them. Lily took care of me on the labor and delivery side before I was moved to postpartum to continue my stay. I can honestly not say enough good things about her. Her kind words, actions, generosity, and compassion. These are all just a few things. Lily was my saving grace. God placed her in my life during that time because He knew I needed her.

My amniotic fluid was leaking, and they were trying to keep my baby girl in as long as possible, and that meant staying in the hospital to be continuously monitored and receive preventative treatment. This was incredibly difficult to comprehend, and I was scared. I had gone from working and taking care of my kids at home to living in a hospital. Lily brought me so much comfort. She made sure that I had everything I needed. I loved that she would always bring me the basics on days she worked so I wouldn't have to ask for them. She always brought me new sheets, blankets, plenty of towels, and washcloths. This may sound like something little. When you transition from being independent to relying on others for basic everyday necessities, it can be challenging. My husband had to return to work while I was admitted to the hospital. Lily took her time taking care of me. Made me feel as if I was her only patient. Many times, she would braid my hair or bring me fresh ice water. These are little things that made me feel good and thought of. Being admitted for forty-two days was extremely hard to process. No one likes to be admitted to a hospital. I tried to keep myself busy and positive. I was there to ensure the health of my baby. Lily has a heart of gold. I could feel the calm and peace when Lilly would come through the door. Her trusting eyes when she would have to change my intravenous catheter or provide routine care, she went above and beyond. This sweet girl would come to see me on her days off and bring treat baskets and little gifts. The love and compassion she has for patients is an attribute that everyone should strive for.

When my children and spouse came to visit, Lily would always come in to make sure they were also taken care of. Her empathy, kindness, and compassion extended not only to the patient but also to the family, ensuring their comfort. Near the time of delivery, she planned a small baby shower; the OB staff brought food to the room, making it a special occasion. She cared, and the staff cared about me. This held a special place in my heart. The day had come that our baby girl would make her arrival. Knowing she would be arriving two months early, we prepared. Our induction led to a C-section. Lily was there with me every step of the way. I found my calm in her during the chaos around me. The baby was born weighing only 5 pounds. Pikeville Medical Center's most amazing team was waiting for our baby girl.