We are pleased to share the positive experience we had with Nure Liz Sotomayer from the Neonatal Intensive Care unit at Kaiser Permanente Fontana on Tuesday. We woke up that morning and made our way to the NICU as we do every shift change to meet the nurse and get an update. As soon as we walked in, she came in running after us and said she was happy to meet us. She greeted us with warmth and a level of enthusiastic energy that is rare on this earth. She updated us on our baby status and gave us a summary of all the positive changes. She let us know that she was now able to bathe her, and she made sure to do that before we got there. We also noticed that the bandages and IV were all changed and positioned better to make our baby more comfortable. She spoke as she smiled endlessly as she handled our baby with care and tenderness that is exemplary and a testament to the capacity of human love towards their fellow man. She explained what she was doing as she helped our baby and offered advice on how to do it once we take the baby home. My wife asked her some questions about being a new mom and advice on some aftercare, and Nurse Elizabeth provided her with some guidance. Suddenly, our conversation was cut short because they called my wife to let her know that it was time to check out. We said bye to our baby and the most amazing and cordial day nurse we had at the NICU, and we went back to our room to check out.

As we were in our car at the parking lot, ready to go home without our baby, my wife began to cry as we realized this was the farthest we had ever been from our newborn baby girl. The only reason I was able to start the car and drive away is because I knew nurse Liz was there at her side. The light radiating from her soul warmed our hearts the moment we met her, and we knew our baby was in some of the best hands our generation will ever see. Our daughter was blessed to have been in her presence and under her care for two days.

Today, our baby girl gets to go home with us, and it is an honor and privilege to have Nurse Liz hand us our baby. Thank you, Nurse Liz Sotomayer, for keeping our baby alive on her second and third day on earth. Our family and our baby will forever know your name. 

Note: This is Liz's 2nd DAISY Award!