At St. Francis I was in labor, first time pregnant, first time in labor, the first time I’ve ever been admitted to a hospital. Blessing was so cool and comforting when I was in a stressful state. She is so caring and easy to talk to. Before the painful contractions began I was asking her questions and she was so sweet and pleasant in answering. She said, “We’re going to have this baby before the end of my shift.” Once painful contractions began, she was right there offering pain medication if I desired it. She was helping coach me through breathing and continually assuring me. She was funny and comforting like a good friend.

When my husband had addressed her as “ma’am” she said, “Who are you calling ma’am, I’m Blessing.” in a fun way, meaning not to be so formal. Blessing was willing to assist in whatever I wished for whether it was checking how far along I was or helping me get food/beverages or pain medication. She was patient in putting up with my indecision too. When it came time to “push” she was there holding my hand and encouraging and reassuring me saying “You are doing soooo good, sooo good. You got this.” She made me feel like everything was going to be OK and like everything was normal. She probably helps with labor and sees this every day but this was my first time so I was scared, nervous, anxious, self-conscious, in pain, feeling exposed, etc.

After my baby was born, Blessing was the one who helped me to the restroom for the first time afterward. I’m a fairly modest person, I was so thankful for her decorum dealing with all the bodily functions and exposure that comes with labor. Blessing was indeed still on her shift when our baby was born! She is a great encourager, patient, kind, funny, professional, and makes one feel like they’re long-time friends. I wish the best for Blessing and I hope that this story is passed on to her to encourage her as much as she did for me!