I am writing to nominate Sophie Jones, Elaine Mumbauer, and Michelle Basgall for the DAISY Award, each in recognition of their extraordinary care and compassion during one of the most difficult days of my life. For 16 long years, the journey of infertility felt like an endless road filled with hope and heartache, and each month brought with it a flicker of anticipation, only to be extinguished by the harsh reality of disappointment. Countless appointments, tests, and treatments became part of my routine. Friends and family celebrated their pregnancies, and while I was genuinely happy for them, a deep ache lingered in my heart, a yearning for the family I so desperately wanted.

Recently, I knew something was different within me. So, I called the nurse line and was told to go to the walk-in clinic at Peterson to get a blood pregnancy test. A few hours later, I received a phone call with the results. "Congratulations, you are PREGNANT!" The rush of emotions was overwhelming joy, disbelief, and anxiety settled within me. I had longed for this moment, yet the reality of knowing I could be in a high-risk pregnancy cast a shadow over my happiness. Each day brought with it a delicate balance of hope and fear. I clung to the joy of feeling my body change, of imagining the future I had dreamed of for so long, while simultaneously grappling with the weight of the uncertainty.

The first few weeks were filled with appointments, tests, and an overwhelming amount of information. I tried to stay positive, to embrace the miracle of new life growing inside me. But as the weeks went by, anxiety crept in like an uninvited guest, reminding me of the fragility of this journey. I was constantly aware of every ache, every twinge, and every moment, and fear was inevitable. During one of the ultrasound appointments with the doctor, my husband and I were finally able to see a little heart flickering on the monitor. A flicker of hope. Already, we had been told that my numbers weren't rising as they should, and on that day, our baby's heart rate wasn't as fast as it should be, but seeing that flickering heart was the most incredible feeling I had ever had in my life. We were given another ultrasound appointment for the following week. I remained hopeful. The day when everything changed. No heartbeat. A missed abortion is what they called it. My pregnancy, which had been so full of hope, was ending far too soon. The heartache that followed was profound. I felt as though the ground beneath me had crumbled, and I was left standing in an abyss of grief. The dreams I had nurtured, the plans I had made, all vanished in an instant. I mourned not only the loss of my baby but also the future I had envisioned, the laughter, the milestones, the moments that would never come to be. Amid this sorrow, I found myself grappling with a flood of emotions-anger, confusion, and a deep sense of loss. I questioned why this had happened, why something so precious had been taken away so quickly. I felt isolated in my grief, as if no one could truly understand the depth of my pain. Until I met 3 amazing nurses. We agreed that a D&C would be what was best for me.

On the day of my D&C, I was filled with a mix of emotions: anxiety, sadness, and uncertainty. Then I was placed under the care of Sophie, Elaine, and Michelle, and they made all the difference in my experience, providing not just excellent medical care but also heartfelt support that I will never forget. From the moment I arrived, Sophie greeted me with a warm smile and an understanding demeanor that immediately put me at ease. She took the time to sit with me, listen to my concerns, and explain each step of the process gently and reassuringly. Her ability to connect with me on a personal level helped alleviate my fears and made me feel like I was truly being cared for as a person, not just a patient. Before the procedure, Sophie went above and beyond in every aspect of my care. She was attentive to my needs, checking in frequently to ensure I was comfortable and informed. Her thoroughness and attention to detail were evident as she coordinated with the surgical team and made sure everything was in place for my procedure. It was clear that she was not only dedicated to her profession but also deeply committed to the well-being of her patients. What truly stood out to me was her profound empathy. She recognized the emotional weight of the situation and honored my feelings with compassion and respect. In a time of vulnerability, she provided me with the support I needed to navigate my grief, reminding me that it was okay to feel what I was feeling. Her kindness and understanding made a lasting impact, allowing me to focus on healing rather than being overwhelmed by my emotions.

During the time I spent in the preoperative area, Michelle's radiating energy, compassion, and strength overflowed in my room. Her voice was as unmistakable as her impact: loud, confident, and full of life, exactly what I needed as a patient in such a vulnerable position. Michelle is the kind of nurse who doesn't just care for patients; she lifts them up. Whether she was cracking a joke to distract me from the heartache I was feeling or smiling at me with this amazing big smile, she transformed my room into a place of comfort and connection. Behind that big voice is an even bigger heart. She held my trembling hand, gave me a hug, and calmed my husband with humor and reassurance. You see, Michelle's hug wasn't just a simple hug; it was one of those hugs that comforts you in such a way that for a moment, all troubles, all pains, all sadness, and all fears disappear. Her arms provided me with that on that very hard day. Her upbeat and compassionate attitude reminded me that joy and healing go hand in hand. Then came the post-operative experience.

From the moment I was brought to the post-operative area, Elaine greeted me with a warm smile and a calming presence. I was filled with a whirlwind of emotions: fear, sadness, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. In that moment, she became my anchor, providing not just medical care but also the emotional support I desperately needed. Her genuine compassion and understanding made me feel seen and valued during a time when I felt vulnerable. She, too, recognized the emotional weight of my situation and treated me with the utmost respect and dignity. Her empathy, compassion, and connection were evident by the glassy, watery appearance of her eyes as she held back her tears while mine rolled down my face. In addition to her clinical expertise, Elaine created a safe space for me to express my grief. She acknowledged my feelings and provided comfort when I needed it most. Her words of encouragement and her willingness to simply be there for me made an immense difference in my healing process.

Sophie, Elaine, and Michelle created an atmosphere of dignity during a time when I felt vulnerable. They honored my emotions, validated my experience, and reminded me that it was okay to grieve. They provided not just medical care but emotional support, which is often just as important in moments like these. Sophie, Elaine, and Michelle are the embodiments of what the DAISY Award represents. They are a force of nature, inscrutable healers, comforters, cheerleaders, and friends. To be in their care was to be truly cared for, in every sense of the word. Their dedication, compassion, and ability to connect with patients go beyond the call of duty. I am forever grateful for the care they provided me during that challenging day. All three of them deserve to be recognized for their outstanding contributions to patient care and the profound impact they have on those they serve. For these reasons and more, I wholeheartedly nominate Sophie, Elaine, and Michelle for the DAISY Award. Their unwavering commitment to their patients, their extraordinary skills, and their compassionate spirit make them truly deserving candidates for this honor. Thank you for considering this nomination; they are shining examples of what it means to be a nurse. A Purple Butterfly Stamp!