I don't even know where to begin to thank Ginger...my baby, Baby D was born at 31 weeks due to complications from preeclampsia and stayed in the amazing care of your NICU for 61 days. He was my fourth baby, but at only 2 pounds 14 oz, he was definitely my tiniest and I'd be lying to say I wasn't nervous and emotional about his incredibly early birth and the long road he had ahead. In addition, having 3 other children at home meant that I wasn't always able to be with him at the hospital and this also caused some extreme guilt and additional stress on an already stressful situation.
Ginger was one of the first nurses that D had and I knew immediately that she was like a gift. I watched her hold and talk to my doll-sized baby like he really understood her, she encouraged him, would sing to him, and joke with him. She was amazing. When Ginger was there and I had to leave, I felt calm having to leave him because I knew she treated him with so much care, compassion, and kindness. In addition, she would offer me such encouraging words. Poor D was off and on bubble c pap many times. Each time he had to go back on, I knew not to worry because Ginger would tell me this was normal. It even got to a point where we could laugh about it. She also would encourage me to kangaroo my sweet baby and would give me tips and encourage me to hold my tiny bundle of joy.
To even say Ginger went above and beyond is an understatement. She provided kindness, care, and compassion to not only her patient, D but also to me. She not only cared for his physical well-being but also wanted him to be sung to and held. Ginger eased my stress, which gave me the ability to care for my family at home and made me feel comfortable and at ease to visit with my baby in the hospital. I can never thank her enough for what she did. Ginger deserves this and a million other awards for how genuinely she cares for not only her patients but everyone she encounters as well.