When we first met Lilly, my husband and I had just barely given birth the previous week, been told that our daughter's quality of life may be in question, and been ripped away from our home with very little security about our new family. We knew, however, that we would do anything for our daughter. I personally was battling postpartum depression, and we were all exhausted and stressed, and so far out of any comfort zone we knew. 
 
We were blessed to have Lilly become our nurse one day and eventually one of our primaries. Lilly seemed to take one look at our family and immediately place us in her heart. She has walked with us so many times through this journey. She knows our daughter almost as well as we do and took the time to get to know us, as well. 
 
Every time we see Lilly's name on our room board, we breathe a sigh of relief, knowing we are in great hands for the day. Lilly has advocated for our daughter every time we did not have the knowledge ourselves. She has made sure other nurses know how to take care of our daughter and her unique quirks. When our daughter is fussy or in pain, Lilly has never just left us to manage it, but helps us determine how to make our daughter more comfortable. 
 
Lilly also took the time to get to know us as a family unit. She understands how focused my husband and I are on our daughter's care, and how we enjoy learning about the environment around us. She actively watched and listened to all of this, and has gone out of her way to meet us where we are at by taking the time to explain even the smallest, unimportant details to us. She has taken our values and focus as a family and has always made sure to revolve her care around that. 
 
Emotionally, Lilly has been so loving and gentle with us. She seems to know what stresses us before we do, and is always there to help us debrief. She makes sure to create special moments for our baby and us, even when she is busy. On days when things are just hitting a bit harder, Lilly always recognizes it and makes sure that we are given the support we need. 
 
Lastly, she is exceptional with our daughter and her care. There is just so much love that Lilly pours out when taking care of our little girl. You can see it in the way she makes our daughter laugh and how gentle she is with her dressing changes and diapers. When things happen to go sideways, Lilly is so confident and sure when she comes into the room, and always handles things quickly and without fear. 
 
My husband, daughter, and I have been truly blessed to have found Lilly in our lives. When we go home and our baby grows up, we will share with her the stories of Nurse Lilly, who bravely and lovingly took care of her and her parents during a very challenging time. 
 
Lilly, if you read this, we thank you so much for everything that you have done, from the time and effort you gave to go through med school to be here, to the overwhelming amount of care you've shown us. You have been a beacon for us. If our baby turns out half as brave, confident, and kind as you, we will truly be blessed as parents.