It is said that every journey leaves a mark on the soul, and some people become the guiding stars that light our way. For our family, Sanya-Gay, RN, was not just a nurse during my son's time in the Intensive Care Nursery; she became a part of our family, a lighthouse in our darkest hours, and an anchor during the stormiest seas.

My son's journey was an adventure unlike any other, filled with hope, challenges, and profound love. While chronic lung disease was his difficulty, love and resilience were his strength. His first outfit, a tiny sailboat NICU onesie, captured the essence of his voyage, a symbol of resilience, discovery, and the bond we shared as we navigated the uncharted waters of the NICU. Sanya embraced that symbolism from the start, encouraging me to hold onto the onesie, even when he had far outgrown it, and we didn't yet know how his journey would end.

Sanya cared for him as if he were her own, attending not only to his medical needs but to the heart and soul of our family. She saw beyond the machines and monitors, focusing instead on the small moments that meant everything. Whether it was adjusting his little 1-pound body in the isolette just so or taking the time to ensure I felt empowered as his mom to hold and care for him, her actions reminded me that love is found in the details.

Her compassion went beyond her clinical expertise, though that alone was extraordinary. Sanya taught me how to embrace the fleeting moments, the gentle touch of my son's tiny fingers, the rhythm of his breathing, and the beauty of his existence. She held our hands as we navigated difficult decisions and supported us in celebrating his milestones, no matter how small. She was unwavering, ensuring he felt safe, loved, and cherished every single day, whether we as his family were able to be there or not.

Even in the moments of deepest sorrow, when my son's time with us had abruptly drawn to a close, Sanya remained steadfast. She reminded us that his journey, though short, was profound. Her encouragement to hold on to the sailboat theme throughout the rest of our lives became a cherished metaphor for our son's legacy, a reminder of his adventurous spirit and the love he brought to our lives.

My son's passing has left an irreplaceable void, but the lessons he taught us and the care Sanya provided remain an anchor for our family. Sanya transformed what could have been an unbearable experience into one filled with meaning, love, and gratitude.

For her extraordinary skill, unyielding compassion, and the way she became part of my son's story.  She is the embodiment of nursing excellence and humanity, a beacon of hope in the most turbulent seas. Like the sailboat on my son's onesie, she carried us through this journey with grace, guiding us toward healing and helping us cherish the adventure we shared with our son.