I was unexpectedly admitted to LRH Labor and Delivery due to elevated blood pressure and was told I may be induced early in the best interest of my baby and me. As a first-time mom, this was a very scary and emotional time. Throughout my inconsolable emotional roller coaster of fear and tears, Samantha was very supportive, empathetic, and understanding. In the midst of my tears, I also shared with Samantha that I would be missing my maternity photo shoot, a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I was looking forward to. Unbeknownst to me, Samantha was not only listening but also setting a plan in motion.

Samantha encouraged me to take a warm shower to help me feel better, as I had been in the hospital for about 2 days at this time. As I stepped out of the bathroom, there stood a photo shoot backdrop with a balloon arch, tulips, and additional décor to compliment the shoot along with Samantha holding a camera and another nurse adjusting the arch. Once again, I was in tears, but this time joyful tears as I embraced them both. Thanks to Samantha’s thoughtfulness, and creativity, she brought the maternity shoot to the same room in which I would deliver my beautiful baby girl.

Samantha went above and beyond treating me as more than a patient, ensuring that I was able to capture the memory of a lifetime, especially considering I’m a mom of advanced maternal age and may not experience this again. This special unforgettable moment is one I happily share every chance I get because it’s not every day that we’re graced with angels like Samantha who aren’t hesitant to go above and beyond.

The maternity photo shoot in my delivery room was more special than the one I had planned, because of the compassion, joy, selflessness, and love for taking care of others that a nurse had for a scared and emotional first-time mom. I can truly say, that I had a one-of-a-kind, extra special maternity photo shoot that occurred steps away from where I experienced the most beautiful blessing, the birth of my daughter. The LRH Labor and Deliver team is very blessed to have Samantha as a nurse. She deserves to be celebrated and recognized as she made the impossible, possible and brought an inexplainable joy to a new mom.

I hope more moms will get to share a story similar to mine. Because of Samantha, I was able to capture beautiful pictures, and share the experience with my parents, along with those who viewed the Facebook posting celebrating Samantha! She is an inspiration, a blessing, and someone I will never forget. I am forever grateful to her and the team for thinking of their patients and not hesitating to give a little extra TLC to make us feel special.

I look forward to the day that I am able to share the beautiful pictures and story with my daughter and hope it will inspire her to go above and beyond for others. Thank you, Samantha and team, we love you!