I close my eyes and I can still hear the compassion and understanding in Steph's voice. I remember her being a petite woman, but love and empathy radiated from her as if she was a giant. I recall the way she cared for my wife, ensuring she was comfortable and somehow sensing her extreme sensitivity to the less desirable side effects of surgery. She provided the care necessary but never once drew attention to those things. She was tender and encouraging, allowing my wife the normalcy needed to feel capable of bonding with our daughter.
The first night Steph was omnipresent, knowing the uncertainty that lurks within our room. I can picture her changing, swaddling, and feeding our daughter for the first time and I can still sense the confidence and excitement she had in her eyes as she told me, "You'll do the next round, Dad." At that moment, I was transformed. I was filled with a new sense of purpose. I knew, without question, that I would care for both my daughter and wife, not just in the hours to come but in the weeks, months, and countless years to come.
What truly makes Steph great and the reason I nominate her for the DAISY Award, is because of her ability to allow me to see the greatness in myself. Now, when asked my wife tells family and friends that I'm a natural-when asked how I am as a father, she responds-"He's great!"
I will be forever grateful for Steph and her excellent nursing care.