My youngest son, who is 4 years old, had to have an oral surgery done. He is the first of all of my children to undergo anesthesia.  So as expected, I was a mess. My firstborn was born via c-section and was born without a heartbeat but was luckily resuscitated and cried after 7 minutes.  That really contributed to my anxiety because I was put under anesthesia during the end of his birth. 

My son was also very unsure of everything and extremely hesitant to even be there as well, probably sensing my fear. He is the boy who doesn't even like having to have his teeth brushed at the dentist or a stethoscope placed to his chest at the pediatric clinic. 

From the time we arrived, Jessica must have picked up on his emotions as he was dragging his feet down the hall because she "challenged him to a race" to his pre-op room, which he eagerly accepted and was hot on her trail the entire way there. She reassured him by being a friendly, genuine, and kind soul and by telling him just how tough he was and how good he was going to do. 

She answered all my questions that I had and set my momma heart at ease. My son also stated on multiple occasions that he was not going to sleep (the "S" word) and Jessica never mentioned that word in front of him after being made aware of that situation. Instead, she reassured him that he was just going to put on a mask and blow up a VERY BIG balloon. She talked him through his blood pressures and other vital checks by telling him that they were checking on if his muscles were Hulk muscles or Spiderman muscles and informing him which ones he had when they were finished checking. By the time it came time for him to leave for surgery and to be put under anesthesia, he was so excited and ready to be the "tough guy who blew up that big balloon." He gave his Memaw, Daddy, and his Mommy a big whole thumbs up, and off he went. I was a bawling mess and was never once judged for it, only reassured and given constant updates. 

After surgery, it took some time for him to wake up and she checked on him frequently. When he was awake, she informed him that he was the award winner and gave him 'knuckles,' but that was instead followed up by a big hug from my son to her and an invite from him to come over to our house and play because he said they are now "friends." It was heartwarming to see my son treated with such care and compassion. Jessica is a nurse that you can tell truly loves her career and cares for her patients so enthusiastically. I cannot say it loud enough how thankful I am to have a total stranger make something so much easier for not just my son but for myself as well. Kudos to you Jessica! You are amazing, and I appreciate all you do and have done for families like mine. Thank you from the bottom of my momma heart.