A few weeks ago, I was able to celebrate the birth of sweet baby Connor with his Mama, Sara.

Sara and I had met before when I took care of her baby, Hope, in the NICU.

It’s hard to explain how something seemingly good can come from an awful situation. As a NICU nurse, I’ve seen my fair share of good and bad. I’m not sure I can ever fully put into words how losing a patient impacts us deeply on every level. It’s painful but it also touches the depths of your soul in the purest way. To be able to help families through their most difficult times feels like a strength only God could equipped one to handle.

I feel Him so much in those moments and these babies will always be a part of me. Making me a better person, a better mother, a better nurse. Hope (that beautiful baby tattooed on her Mama’s arm) was one of those babies. I carry her memory with me everyday! I am incredibly thankful for the times I was able to care for her and that her family, even in their most vulnerable state, allowed me to do so. 

During Connor’s shoot, I couldn’t get over how much of Hope I saw in him. It continually gave me chills during our session and all I could picture was her sweet little face beaming with joy in heaven.