Maurice, or Mo as we knew him, is one of the unsung heroes of nursing. He was one of our son's overnight nurses - a nurse who many patients' families probably don't get to interact with. Mo took exceptional care of our son both when he was first born and then a few months later when he was in the CVICU for four months before passing away. All the other nurses told us how lucky we were to have Mo and that he was the best. The first night I was discharged after giving birth, I spent the night in my son's hospital room, where Mo talked to him, sang to him, and played him wonderful music all night long. After witnessing just how much Mo cared for him and how much attention he was getting, I knew I could rest at home because our son would be in good hands. It was always a joy to come in the next morning to find Mo and hear from him that our son was a rockstar throughout the night. During our second stay, we were so happy to see Mo again - he was finally a familiar nurse, while everyone else up to that point was new to us. This time, our son was much sicker, and we appreciated Mo telling us what they tried, what worked, what didn't, and what he responded to. Throughout it all, though, Mo played some good tunes for him to listen to.

Mo always managed to be there for our son during his most critical and vulnerable days. Mo was supposed to have a few days off after our son had kept him busy and on his toes for the past week, and we said our goodbyes knowing that day our son was due to have his chest closed later that day and he would be in a much better spot the next time he would see Mo. Unbeknownst to us, Mo decided to pick up that night's shift before he left for the day. Our son's procedure did not go according to plan, and instead of closing his chest, he ended up on ECMO for a second time. It was a devastating day. I couldn't tell you how much it meant to us that night at handoff to see Mo walk in as his nurse again. We knew our son was going to have the best nurse who knew him so well and would give him the care and attention he needed. It still brings tears to my eyes when I think about seeing Mo that night and how he didn't know the turn of events of the day until he walked in and saw just how much more difficult the shift was going to be. We hugged him, and he told us how sorry he was while assuring us things would be ok. His presence always comforted us and helped us feel everything would turn out ok, even when we were scared for the worst.

Mo bonded more with our son as he grew stronger. Mo had again picked up a shift, but our son was in a good spot, so Mo was helping elsewhere. Well, our son had another cardiac arrest and ended up on ECMO for a third time. While we were waiting for updates and life-saving measures to be taken, Mo came over and said he was going to take over our son's care for the rest of the night. I was relieved but also so scared. Mo did everything in his power to give our son a comforting and attentive nurse. He was always cool as a cucumber in high-stress situations, and that calmness was felt by us and calmed our nerves as well. He was also so knowledgeable and loving. We will never be able to repay him for what he gave our family. He gave us a sense of comfort and hope - especially on the most trying days.