It was November when our family's life was forever changed. Our little W entered this world on a stormy Thanksgiving evening. She was born in Mishawaka, but we knew she'd be whisked away to St. Vincent's. She was fragile, but she was our precious Thanksgiving blessing.
We rushed to Indianapolis as soon as my doctor would release me. It was the first evening we were there we met Courtney. We didn't know life in the NICU. We were so scared. Her warmth and smile seemed to cut through all the scary alarms, beeps and machinery. I felt like my daughter could not only be taken care of here, but she could be loved. She also was the first one to tell me that we could open up her bed to allow me to kiss her sweet head. That was the first time I met Courtney. I kissed my daughter's precious head and broke into tears. She understood and gave me the warmest hug. I felt like I knew Courtney for years. Kindred spirits.
Courtney was one of the first nurses (after Karrie Coddington) to sign up as W's primary nurse. We felt so blessed to have such amazing primaries as ours. Since we had to care for our kids in Osceola and care for W in Indianapolis we were going back and forth all the time. Courtney assured us we could call at any time of day or night to get updates on W. At night, when we were far away we would call and she'd put the phone up to her bed so we could say bedtime prayers.
Courtney was always honest with us. Even if W was having a bad day, for some reason I would want Courtney to be the one to tell us. I knew that she would reassure us, give us the truth, but it was always gentle. I also knew that W was always loved dearly. When we couldn't be by her side, I felt like Courtney was another mother for my daughter.
Courtney was born to do this work. She is not only one of the most outstanding nurses I've ever met, she's an amazing human being. She became more than a nurse to our family. We call her Aunt Coco. She will always be part of our family.
Our little W went to be with Jesus in February. She lived 2.5 months at St. Vincent's. When W passed, I believe it was Courtney's day off. She was at the hospital in no time at all. All of W's primary nurses--all 5 of them--came to be with us. We had all the time we needed to love, hug and share our W with these ladies. What an absolutely phenomenal job. Courtney reassured me that we didn't have to leave. We could stay as long as we wanted. We could come back anytime and W would be there. We went to eat, though we tasted nothing, and when we came back they had lovingly prepared her and the room. They stayed with us late into the night.
There is something that is the most precious memory I have of Courtney. One that has made a lasting impact on my life. One I use in my volunteer training with hospice, which is my job. When I left W's room the last time, Courtney said that she would walk with me all the way to the elevator. She rubbed my back. I felt fine all the way to the elevator until I pressed the button. I broke down and cried. This is what we are to do for others. To be completely present like her. To not shy away from the difficult, but to be a friend in the midst of it. Courtney was so present. She loved and cared for me in the darkest time. It brought a hope. It didn't take away my pain, but made it bearable so I could stand.
Today I have a lasting hope. I miss my W, but I know she's in Jesus' arms and I have to be patient. But I don't know what else I can say to tell you just how worthy Courtney is of a DAISY Award. She was heaven-picked for our family. I'm forever grateful to her. She is more than a nurse. She's W's Aunt Coco.
Note: This is Courtney's second DAISY Award!