At 35 weeks and 5 days into my pregnancy, I never imagined the birth of my identical twin boys would end the way it did. The happiest and saddest day of my entire life fell on the same day when I lost one of my babies just a few hours before coming in for a routine non-stress test. My whole world quickly crumbled around me when it was determined that my son, baby X, had very recently passed away. I had felt them both moving around that morning, so it was a huge shock when the ultrasound showed that baby X's heart was no longer beating. He was gone, and what was supposed to be an easy routine test quickly turned into an emergency C-section to save his brother. When I received this awful news, my husband was at work, so technically, I was alone until he was able to get there, or so I thought. I very quickly realized that someone had sent me an angel in the form of a nurse named Michelle Kelliher, and thanks to her, I was able to stay strong for my son on the worst day of my life. I am honored to nominate Michelle for being an incredible nurse and human being. Michelle was with me when I received the awful news that would send me into a whirlwind of sadness and emotion, and she did not leave my side until after my baby and I were safely out of surgery, well past the end of her shift. Her dedication to the well-being of my entire family shows just how incredible a person Michelle is. Despite her own emotions, she was able to help me focus and safely make it through surgery.
It's hard to explain what Michelle's dedication to her patients means to me because reliving that day will always be one of the hardest things I'll ever have to do. I can truly say from the bottom of my heart that having her there with me made more of a difference then she'll ever know. I can still remember her talking me through everything and holding my hand, so I wouldn't be scared. She helped me stay focused while I was getting the spinal and stayed next to my husband during the surgery to make sure that he was okay, too. She checked on us the next day even though she wasn't scheduled to be at work and checked in on us throughout the week via the nurses that were caring for us. Thanks to Michelle, I made it through and now have two of the most beautiful baby boys, one here with us and one that lives on in our hearts. Being a nurse myself, I can very easily tell the difference between someone doing their job and someone loving their job. This is what makes Michelle so special. Thank you for allowing her to care for me and my family that day.