My son had to have a major hip surgery done where they had to cut his femur bone in half and reset it back into his hip socket. He has severe cerebral palsy and is non-mobile and non-verbal, and requires full care 24/7. He loves music, but not just any music; it has to be his specific artists or songs that he likes. He is very particular about his music, and it is his life; it calms him and literally instantly makes him the happiest kid in the world.

Typically, he would whine or have a meltdown if he did not have his music. The morning of his surgery, my mom and I were so sad and upset because he would not have his music on the way to the operating room. When Natalie came in to take him back to the OR, she noticed him listening to his music. She asked about it, and I explained he pretty much has to have his music all day long, and it makes him so happy. She asked who his favorite artist was, and I said Charlie Puth. Without hesitation, she turned on his music so he would have it when he left us. She called later on to update us and said he had his music and was so happy until he fell asleep. That small gesture meant more to us than she will ever know, and that is what separates the good nurses from the great ones!

Thank you, Natalie, for being such a fantastic nurse and going above and beyond your job description, assuring he was happy and comfortable until he fell asleep! Music is his everything, and I am so thankful for you making sure he was happy and comfortable in a situation that was scary and unfamiliar to him. You are absolutely the best!