We first had the pleasure of meeting Tara Nabozny when our twins were 8 days old. She was very welcoming and friendly towards us right away, answering the many questions we had in great detail. She helped set up kangaroo care for our first time with our son and was our nurse for the entire weekend.
Our little lady was set to have surgery that Monday and it was nice to know she would have consistency with her care leading up to and following it. Once Monday rolled around Tara talked with us about how we were feeling and walked us all down until we couldn't go any further for surgery. While we waited, she was so nice to try and keep our minds off it and provided us with updates as soon as she got them. When our daughter did come back, Tara's level of care for her was kind and gentle. I knew from then on, she was someone who I trusted without a doubt and it made it easier for me to leave even when I didn't want to.
We were lucky enough for Tara to bond not only with our twins but with my spouse and me, too. Our girl was in the NICU 2 days shy of 4 months and not once did Tara ever get frustrated with us for all the questions we asked. She was quick to call back if she ever missed us when we called to check up on her. She went above and beyond for us all the time. She was quick to provide input to the doctors because she followed us for so long and our daughter was as much hers as she was ours.
Tara advocated for her in more ways than one. Tara was there for her when she had to have multiple surgeries and again walked us right to the door and gave updates once she knew. More often than not if anyone was looking for Tara they knew to look in our room because she was always there to provide support and someone to talk to. Our girl had some setbacks and Tara was always there cheering her on and was one of her biggest cheerleaders.
Finally, when it was our time to go and our daughter was off to rehab care, Tara was able to ride transport and get her settled in her new digs. That day was bittersweet. We were happy we were moving on and closer to home but will miss the level of comfort and familiarity we had developed with the many nurses and most of all Tara from the NICU. I have nothing but the utmost respect and can talk about how great Tara is for days. She is truly one of a kind and made an experience that is scary and unexpected more pleasant for all of us. We left there not only as friends with Tara but consider her part of our family and our journey. I hope everyone will recognize her level of commitment and dedication to her job that makes her special and truly one of a kind!