I had HELLP syndrome and had to have a C-section at 30 weeks. My son was sent to NICU and I was terrified to even touch him. Four days after the C-section, I was released from the hospital. This, of course, was bitter-sweet. My husband and I live in Spearfish, and the thought of going home without our son was unbearable. I went to NICU to see my son on and Jean came over to introduce herself as my son's nurse. She filled me in on all the labs done, their results, and any changes made to his treatment. After getting scrubbed up, I sat at my son's side and reached into the incubator to touch him. Jean asked about me and my release from the hospital, and I explained that I had been released and was not looking forward to having to leave my son behind. The next thing to happen may seem so small to some, but it was truly monumental to me.

Jean grabbed a rocking chair and placed it at my son's "bedside." She asked if I had held my son yet, and I stated no, I had been afraid to even touch him. Jean asked if I would like to hold him. I asked, "Am I allowed to?" Jean laughed and assured me that she "wouldn't offer if you weren't allowed to." Jean wrapped my son in warm blankets, put a hat on him that said "I love dad," and opened the incubator. She got all of the wires situated, and I held my breath as she helped me slide my hands under my son, cradle him into my arms, and situated into the rocking chair.

I have no words to describe the feeling of getting to hold my son for the very first time, and Jean is the angel that made it happen. That moment was something I will always cherish. I cannot thank her enough, and I have no doubt that my son is in the very best care possible.