I wanted to let you know about something that really impacted my day.

As I'm sure you know, today (this NICU patient) was withdrawn from care. Rachel Estrada was his nurse. I have been assisting families with bereavement needs for the past 10 years and Rachel did one of the best jobs I have ever seen. The lights were dimmed and she had music softly playing. She had (somehow) dressed him in a long sleeve onesie from home and had draped blankets around him. She was calm and caring throughout.

I felt like someone should know what an amazing job she did. Rachel took something so horrible and sad and somehow made it comforting and even beautiful. I am so thankful for her and her kindness. There were a lot of kids there today and they will never forget today, but because of Rachel, they will have a sad but beautiful memory instead of something that could have been absolutely horrible. I firmly believe that these kids will remember today for the rest of their lives and that it will impact them forever.

How we deal with death when we are with kids makes a huge impact in their lives. I am so grateful that Rachel was there to help mold their memory.