I would like to start by saying that this is our fifth admission this year. I arrived at the ER in the late morning or early afternoon, with my child and I was here the previous night until 3 in the morning when we finally got to go home. At this point in my arrival, I was exhausted, I was tired, and I was emotionally, physically, and mentally drained. I couldn't handle anymore after my child received a breathing treatment, and I really needed a break. In came Matt and another nurse started an IV on my child and all I could think to myself was, I don't know if I can handle holding my child down for an IV. Well, Matt told me I could take a break. I went and got a drink, had 15 minutes to process and that is all I needed to recoup. I came back to the room, and I will never forget how my child was fighting them. I could hear baby shark playing, and poor Matt was struggling to get the tape on my sweaty child’s arm. Nothing would stick. But not once did Matt get impatient with me or my child, and after so much exhaustion he still managed to make sure that I took care of myself and made me laugh when I felt like there was going to be no light at the end of my tunnel.

Then there was Afton who was taking care of my child the whole time we were down there. Now, we have had the pleasure of having Afton as a floor nurse before this ER visit, so it was nice to have someone who knew me, and who knows my child. Afton went above and beyond and made sure that my child’s oxygen needs were known to the doctor. My child was admitted and they finally got a room so Afton came in to take my child to the room. Well, she noticed that my child’s work of breathing was getting harder, and she notified the doctor. They ended up having to put my child on 50% oxygen on the high flow and my child was no longer eligible to be a floor patient and ended up going to the ICU. But while we were waiting for a room, my child was inconsolable. Between trying to rip the oxygen out, and trying to just get comfortable, my child was exhausted as well. Afton came to the rescue. She stood in the room and rocked and bounced and put my child’s head on her shoulder, just so I can have a break from doing it. As scary as bringing my child to the ER is for me, not knowing whether we will get to go home or spend another admission here at St. Joes, these two made my ER experience the best one yet, as best as an ER experience can be. So, thank you both, for making it easier for me. Thank you to all the staff at St. Joe's for treating my kids and me like your family.