Recently there was a situation in the NICU that had many firsts. This is baby A. He was born here on 7/8, while the family was visiting family as they watched fireworks. A's mom went into labor at 23 weeks gestation, at the brink of viability. Good Sam was the closest hospital. This is where A was then delivered. Yes, at 23 weeks and A's mom wanted everything done to keep him alive. He had a rough start. And a rough time in the NICU. Some times it was just OK but mainly a struggle his whole life.

His mom did not speak English, which during this 4 month NICU stay made it difficult at times. There were also strong cultural beliefs and past history of domestic abuse and breast cancer which put this mom at so many other risks at this fragile time in her life. A was very critical. The family had difficulties visiting for several reasons. Support was given in every way. Two very special nurses were touched by him and in turn touched this family as well. They were Theresa and Gina, the primary and associate nurses for A. They were his constant caregivers.

A had a lot of medical complications. These two nurses made themselves available for the staff as "consultants" any time. They had his plan written out, drawn out, pictures taken of many things such as dressing changes etc that were required. They came in on weekends off for family meetings. They took the special family pictures and captured many special moments on camera when the family could not be there.

In the end they knew that A living was not the right thing. His suffering was too much. They requested ethics to get involved and they did. Heartfelt and tough decisions were made with the family, many times with either Theresa or Gina as the initiator of the conversation and then of course with the holding of the hand at the right moment. With much support and with the suggestion of the team hospice in-patient was the plan. This was set up on Unit 33 in a room, set up like a family room. The family and then some came, it was somewhat of a wake before the death. Theresa was off and came in to make sure it was set up the way the family and A would want it set up, even down to the blankets and clothes he could not wear before, but now was so proud to adorn.

A's time was coming to an end. Gina was scheduled at 7p-7a that day. There was a need for a nurse on day shift following the shift Gina just worked so Gina thought she would stay til 11am as A's HR was drifting and she was hoping she could be on shift during the time of his passing. He didn't at that moment. Gina was back at 11pm and sure enough Alex waited for her- he passed away just after 11pm. Peacefully.

Theresa came in as well. The family did not say much - usually it was the words of "please save our baby". But that next day when I came in to say my good byes the family spoke to me saying how grateful they were for the care that A received. They want everyone to know how blessed they were to be here at Good Samaritan.