Our hearts ached as we watched out 5-month-old son recover from open heart surgery. My husband and I met Jody our first night here, and we can't be more grateful. She was kind and compassionate, reassuring us she'd be by his side watching him all night. She informed us in detail what all the tubes and wires were for, what all the numbers on the monitors meant, and how he was progressing. From diaper changes to suctioning his breathing tube, she was gentle and used the utmost care, as if he was her own child. We only left him to use the bathroom, not wanting to miss the second he may open his eyes. Not only did she care for him, she cared for us too, making sure we were as comfortable as possible, despite sleeping on a sofa and chair. Because of Jody, we were able to get some rest that night, knowing our son was in the best care. We stayed 6 nights at CHOC, and even though Jody was our son's nurse for only the first night, she still came to check on him and us often. Once he was awake and alert, she held his Mickey toy and sang the theme song to the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, and it melted my heart. We all know these nurses manage children in pain, along with distraught and worried parents daily, and it is the norm in their work environment. Jody did not forget that we, as parents, were experiencing the most difficult time in our and our son's life. We are forever grateful for Jody going above and beyond to help us and our son get through his initial recovery. Thank you, 100 times Jody!