Back in July 2022, my husband and I welcomed our daughter, M, into heaven. We were told the night prior she no longer had a heartbeat. We were devastated, heartbroken, and taking everything moment by moment. Lisa took over care at 7am and from the moment she introduced herself, we felt safe and taken care of. Lisa tended to every physical need, keeping me comfortable during labor. She made sure I was emotionally cared for as well, working with the Heartprints coordinator.

My memory is quite foggy but I do not remember her leaving my bedside throughout the day. Through laboring in those morning hours, she also cared for my husband as well knowing he was suffering a loss but also trying to support me too. It meant so much that she knew to support him so he could still be there for me. This was our first child so when it came time to push, I wasn’t quite sure how. She taught me and guided me through each push, tenderly reassuring me I was doing great. My own doctor was not on call so that made the situation more difficult as well. M’s birth was so peaceful and I know that was because of Lisa’s hard work. She immediately handed M to me and set to work caring for this new stage of my life – as a post-partum mom I required an emergent D&C and Lisa stayed through her lunch to take me there. She spent the whole day doing more than I will ever know or even remember to make the day easier even though it was the hardest of our life. Lisa selflessly cared for me and my husband. She brought dignity to M’s life and allowed us to honor her. She grieved with us, and for that, I am forever thankful. Lisa was kind and compassionate, tearful at times we needed, and a source of strength for when we were so weak with grief.

We were truly at her Mercy and she personified the Mercy qualities as Catherine McAuley said, “she brings to life the healing ministry of Jesus through her compassionate care and excellent service.” She even stayed late to transport me off the unit. Lisa deserves to be recognized as an outstanding caregiver who went above and beyond the duties of a nurse. Even amidst suffering, she brought great love into our story. Thank you, Lisa, for so wonderfully caring for our family. We will remember you and the way you changed our story as we love and grieve our daughter, forever.