As I walked into labor and delivery for my induction, I was overcome with anxiety, the first night was rough (multiple IV sticks, discomfort, and more anxiety) then Julie walked into my room. Julie made my birthing experience magical. She explained every step of the process and was sure to advocate for me with all of my wishes. The first day she gave me options, letting me know I was in charge of this journey, we were welcoming our first child into this world, and she wanted me to know this was about us!

As first-time parents, we both walked in nervous. Julie’s presence and confidence bring on a wave of calm, she has a way of making you feel as though your mom is in the room with you. With Covid visitor restrictions in place, leaving us unable to have others with us, this was a welcomed feeling. I was elated when Julie returned as my nurse on the second day. She continued to support, reassure, and advocate for me.

As I began to push, I told Julie I couldn’t do it, she grabbed my hand, looked me in the eyes, and told me "yes you can, you can do this". Her strength encompassed me, and just as she said, I did it! I brought my beautiful baby girl into the world, I thanked Julie profusely, I couldn’t have done it without her, we both had tears in our eyes being a part of this magical miracle.

She encompasses every sense of the word nurse; she shines bright with Henry Ford values. Healthcare workers have been stretched so thin since the beginning of the pandemic, and nursing can be a very dark profession, however, Julie shines, she is a bright light. I felt incredibly lucky to have her as my nurse. Thank you, Julie!