As my wife and I arrived in Labor and Delivery for the planned c-section of our daughter and first child, N, we were filled with anxiety and nerves.  We were welcomed and checked in by a nurse named Heather Fisher who prepped my wife for surgery.  As we prepared, Heather asked numerous questions, one of which was if there was, “Anything you would like the team to know?”  We paused because a few months earlier we discovered that our daughter was to be born with congenital foot abnormalities.  As we explained this to Heather, a quiet pause took place.  She turned to my wife and me and told us that her 3-year-old daughter was born missing her arm from the elbow down.  We knew at this point that Heather was put with our family for a reason.  She then continued to comfort us and let us know that all of our worries and feelings were valid and that in just a short time we would see the gift that was in store for us. 

The delivery of my daughter was flawlessly performed by the WellSpan delivery team with compassion, kind words, and heartfelt congratulations from all.  After the surgery, we went back into our recovery room.  When Heather came in and helped us move to our maternal room for the rest of our stay, she gave us a heartfelt goodbye and gave me a letter-sealed envelope addressed to us.  Knowing the emotions, I didn't open the letter until later that evening when it was just my wife and me.  To my surprise, the letter was a heartfelt congratulations and how much it meant to her to be on our delivery team, as well as links to family support groups, physical therapy numbers for children, and her information if we ever needed a helping or listening ear. 

I truly believe people are put into your life at times you need them the most, and I am not sure Heather Fisher will ever realize how much she meant to my wife and me, but the impact she left will never be forgotten or taken for granted.  She showed that Friday morning what an exceptional human and exemplary nurse she is.