We knew prior to my 8-months pregnant friend's being admitted that her baby had died of unknown complications. Early on the morning of her induction, L&D nurse Trish Jarrell came into the room. She was so kind and compassionate to all of us, and immediately started making L comfortable. She prepared us for how the baby might appear (so there would be no surprises), and took time to explain in a non-nursing way anything we had questions about.

Trish was wonderful the whole time. Realizing that some mothers wouldn't want the same things after giving birth to a stillborn, she asked L her wishes on everything to do with the baby. Trish wiped the baby down, swaddled him, and brought him to L. We stared in amazement at how tiny and perfect he was. Trish again explained his appearance, saying it was perfectly normal. We could see and feel Trish's compassion.

After tidying up a bit, Trish left the room to give us privacy. When she returned, she brought three smocked gowns from which the parents could choose one in which to dress the baby for his photographs. A while later, she brought in a beautiful white box with a ribbon around it, which contained a little bracelet with the baby's name on it, little booties, a blanket, and a little bag for a lock of the baby's hair. This made all of us smile a little.

I left to give my friend and her family some time alone with the baby. I found Trish to give her a hug and tell her thank you for everything she had done. When I became very emotional, she took me into a vacant room and helped me regain some of my composure. She was very kind.

My friend couldn't believe how well everyone treated her at St. Francis. She was amazed at the compassion everyone showed her, her mother, her husband, and her little baby boy. I just want to say thank you to Trish. She is a wonderful person.