We welcomed our baby a few weeks earlier than we expected. We were exhausted, scared, and definitely not prepared for a hospital stay- let alone our baby being whisked off to the NICU right away. I spent more time in the NICU than on Mother/Baby - pretty sure they thought I was AWOL a few times! But I wanted and needed to be with our baby. My husband and I were fearful- we had no idea what to expect with a NICU stay, and we just wanted our son to be healthy and to come home to join his eagerly waiting big brother. Our fears were eased by the amazing NICU staff- but the standout of our care and our stay was Julia. She had empathy, compassion, and a loving and positive personality that I have never seen in any other healthcare professional. She seemed to truly care about not only our son’s well-being but also my husband and me as people. Our NICU stay was not as long or as difficult as others are, but not one time did she minimize our experience, invalidate our feelings, or make us feel anything less than safe and heard. She also has a way with the babies! I am so sure my son liked her, too, and felt safe in her care. That is the only thing I could ever wish for and hope for as a mom.

Julia also seemed to be well liked and respected by her colleagues- we only saw and heard positive interactions. I could honestly go on and on about how much of an impact Julia had on my family. I will never forget her genuine kindness and compassion during a very stressful time for us, even though she was busy taking care of other patients. She never appeared hurried or frazzled. She even sat down in a chair across from me and spoke to me like a person when I was feeling defeated and overwhelmed. My husband is always very shy and reserved, but even he felt comfortable voicing concerns and even cracking some jokes while she was around!

Especially nowadays, it is so easy for nurses to become jaded and lose some empathy (understandably), but Julia, please never ever lose your loving nature and genuine care for others. You truly have found your calling in this profession, and you are truly one of the best nurses and healthcare professionals we have ever been blessed to know.

With love and gratitude.