Parkland NICU Nurses Rock! - Part 2

We spent last night up at the hospital and Gretchen was working. Gretchen is a part of the resuscitation team so she doesn't always get assigned to Kamryn. The time she has spent with Karmyn has been critical to her recovery. Gretchen was the first one to go out and buy Kamryn her first accessories, such as her socks and hats. She is also known to break Kamryn out of jail and take her on field trips around the unit so she can get a change of scenery. It all goes back to their desire to care for our little girl like she was their own. Stephanie has a special place in her heart for Gretchen because she was the first person to get Stef involved with caring for Kamryn with suctioning, taking her temperature, and changing diapers. Gretchen showered Kamryn with gifts last night and I have to say it was a little emotional knowing that we are going to be leaving these incredible people like Gretchen who absolutely influenced Kamryn's recovery. I think Stef and I both almost lost it when she gave us a small sign to hang above Kamryn's crib that says: Perseverance: The Greater the Obstacle, the More Glory in Overcoming It. We feel so fortunate to have had Gretchen in our life and most importantly in Kamryn's. Gretchen, your knowledge and expertise gave us more comfort than you will ever know and your love for our little girl has brought us indescribable happiness. Thank you for the exceptional nurse and person you are! Here is Gretchen and Kamryn hanging out:


The last person to join our team, but certainly not the least, was Tamara. Tamara was assigned to Kamryn during the days. More than anything, Tamara became Stef's source of comfort and I doubt she even realized it. When things would get bad or uncertain, Stef learned to read Tamara and could quickly determine if there was a true reason for concern. So many times we perceived things going in a bad direction, but immediately found comfort in just being around Tamara. She helped us understand what was important and was not so critical which helped us put focus and energy where it should be. She can be credited with keeping us from jumping out the window on numerous occasions. Stephanie said the other day, "Everytime I see Tamara, I just know things are ok and Kamryn is in good hands." You just can't buy that kind of reassurance. We are going to miss her comforting voice on the phone when we would call for updates. Like I said before, these nurses allowed us to sleep and spend time at home with our other children and Tamara played such a key role. Tamara, we really can't thank you enough for your ability to keep us calm and focused on what's important. It has been amazing getting to know you and I know Kamryn's speedy recovery can be attributed to your time with her! Here is our another on of our heroes with Kamryn:


We are still set for discharge tomorrow (Monday) sometime and look forward to posting pics of Kamryn's homecoming!

Please continue to pray for Baby Jackson. Candice has been discharged from the hospital. Jackson is still resting on ECMO and I am believe they will be posting soon about his journey.

Take care,
Shawn