After my son was born, he had to spend three weeks in the Level II nursery. This was not how I'd anticipated spending my first few weeks as a mom! It never crossed my mind that I'd be told I couldn't bring my baby home from the hospital with me, and the days that followed were very unsettling. Kristen Ratliff was one of the people who made the situation bearable. Her warm demeanor brought some cheer into the uncomfortable hospital environment. When I arrived in the morning, she'd take the time to ask how my evening had been. She asked about my interests, shared stories from her life, and helped me remember that life existed outside the hospital. Even when she was assigned to other patients, she would check in and ask if I needed anything. She was also a great advocate, always helping me get the attention of busy doctors and making sure they heard my concerns. She extends the same grace to babies as she does to adults, and when I left in the evening, I always felt better when I knew she was there to extend a loving hand to my son in my absence.