We met Beth on arguably the worst day of our lives. We went to labor and delivery at 33 weeks after my water broke only to find out in triage that our daughter had no heartbeat. Once we were in a delivery room Beth was brought in to help. I know some women picture having their mother there as a part of their own journey to becoming a mother. My mother unfortunately lives in a nursing home and is fully dependent on nursing care as she has lost her ability to care for herself as a result of MS and with Covid restrictions couldn't be there anyway even if she were able.

To be honest, though I am a very independent person; in the moments after finding out I would be giving birth to my first child and that she had passed away.... all I wanted was my mother. But thankfully the universe sent me Beth. Beth was confident and so extremely kind. I felt so much calmer and she did an excellent job at explaining our options and what would happen next.

Beth took the time to speak with my husband and explain in detail the benefits/pros/and cons of each decision. We both felt that she wanted us to be informed and make the best decisions we could and I will forever be thankful to her for taking the time to lay everything out as clearly as possible. We were very scared to see and hold a dead baby. My husband couldn't bring himself to hold her but I understood it would be my only chance and it would be important. Beth reassured us by telling us how perfect she was, and what she would look like.

When she brought P to me she was crying with us and I felt genuinely so wrapped in her compassion. She respected all of our choices, and once the shock had worn off and I was very emotional she sat with me and told me things I've repeated to myself every day since that help get me through. When Beth's nightshift was over she stayed with us in the morning so that we didn't have to interact with a new nurse. She encouraged us to eat and ensured all of our needs were met. She told me about the memory box the hospital could make and the pictures we could have.

Though I still find it painful to look in the box I am beyond full of gratitude that I have it, and will treasure it as long as I live. I am forever grateful to Beth for her kindness and compassion on the day of my daughter's birth and death. She made the experience bearable, and special. I will think of her and honor her every year on my daughter's birthday.

I am astounded particularly by the level of care I received by every nurse I interacted with at the Brigham, especially in light of the the pandemic. I imagine it could be easy to be burnt out or cynical; I have certainly felt that way working in education during this time. But Beth and her colleague D made us feel like we were the only patients. I always knew that nurses were to be celebrated, but I have told anybody who will listen about the amazing care we received and will continue to do so. I am so forever grateful to Beth and her selflessness, especially staying with us after a long night shift to make sure we were okay. I hope to return to the Brigham someday to have a healthy baby, and I know I will be in the best of hands.