I’ve written before about a special nurse that came into our lives many years ago – over 18 years ago, in fact. I’m sad to say that Nurse L died earlier this month after battling brain cancer. While we did keep in touch through the years, both by mail and seeing each other out in the community, I learned several things about her over the past few months.

Nurse L worked as a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurse until symptoms started that prompted her to see her own health care provider for a thorough workup. During treatment, with the help of her family, she continued to be in touch with former patients and families. Her NICU nursing career spanned 38 years and she was in her late 70’s when she died.

For 18 years, Nurse L would send birthday cards and holiday greetings to our family. She even sent graduation wishes to my sons last spring. We will miss her kind words and remembrances and are consoled by the fact that she did what she loved for so long and impacted so many of us.

At her funeral, her selflessness and compassion were evident through words from her family, her NICU colleagues, and other families of babies she had cared for. Those of us who spent time with Nurse L and the other NICU staff know – and will always remember – the help, support, and love given to our babies . As a nurse myself, it was difficult to relinquish both my “new mom” and nurse role to a stranger for those months many years ago. We are so lucky to have had Nurse L to care for our boys. For her knowledge, skills, and compassion, my family and I will forever be grateful.