I’m in the hospital for preterm labor for two weeks until my scheduled c-section. I have been through a lot including previously losing an infant son and husband and having two previous complicated pregnancies resulting in two preemie babies both by c-section. I have no family here in Utah, I don’t have a mom/parents in my life; neither do I know anyone here. The nurses I have met during this extremely rough high-risk pregnancy have been my lifeline. Being away from my new hubby and kids has been so difficult for me they are not only all that I have but I’m never away from them. I do my best to laugh rather than cry because I feel like if I cry my tears might never stop.

My nurse Makell just made this day so much better, she was so caring and laughed with me so much that I didn’t feel judged or like I was in her way for even a minute. If she didn’t hear from me for a while she would call me on the phone if I didn’t answer she came to check on me in person. Being a person who usually cares for the whole world and forgets about myself, feeling like I was cared about made my day! Not just getting to know she was also a mom of five but seeing her realness in person and feeling her love for her family and me as her patient truly touched me.

I’m blessed beyond words for all the extra she did for me today, questions she asked, and the time she took to do all the little extras she did! Although I laugh a lot and I’m a pretty positive person I’m scared on so many levels and sometimes feeling lonely can overwhelm me along with my situation; to have Makell as my nurse today made a forever lasting memory/difference in my life! Makell stayed next to my side almost the entire day while I was in labor. My baby was having a few problems but Makell worked diligently to make sure she was okay.

Makell was upfront about what was going on but was able to do it in a way that didn't cause panic. She made sure I knew what paths the day could take and made sure I understood each of the possible delivery options. She even stayed an hour after the end of her shift to make sure I was comfortable with the oncoming nurse and that I still understood and was prepared for my delivery. I'm so grateful for Makell and the care she provided to me, my baby, and even my husband.