At 24 weeks pregnant, I gave birth to our daughter, M. M was immediately taken to the NICU. Our M was taken care of by Gabi early on and we immediately knew she was in wonderful hands. We were excited each time M had Gabi as her nurse and we knew Gabi was taking care of her like her own. It’s difficult to leave your baby in someone else’s hands, but Gabi made it easier for us. Gabi always advocated for her and truly exemplified what it means to be a nurse. Gabi didn’t just care for M; she cared for us, too. M had a tough three weeks on this earth, and Gabi was there for it all. Gabi was M’s nurse on the day she passed away. Gabi made the most difficult day of our lives a little easier. Gabi gave us a safe and comfortable place to hold our daughter while she passed. Gabi cried with us while also supporting us. Gabi made it possible for our family to meet M and, most importantly, for M’s big sister to meet her and give her a kiss. Because of Gabi, we have a picture of our family of four. She helped us dress our M as she brought us dress options in the color we asked for. I will never forget Gabi saying, “a beautiful dress for a beautiful girl”. Leaving M after she passed, we knew she was loved by Gabi the same way she was while she was here.

Fast forward a few months. Our oldest, C, was admitted to the hospital. I asked M to give us a sign that things would be ok with C. Guess who was gifted as a float nurse to pediatrics that day? No one other than Gabi. We knew we were where we needed to be at that moment. We will never be able to put into words what Gabi means to us, but what an honor for us to know her.