“The Daisy Award recognizes nurses who are extraordinary in their compassion, courage, and integrity. They consistently demonstrate excellence in patient care and promote professional nursing practice. “
We are home!! Justin, and Eliana back with the gang. And it feels so good- trying to settle in and attempt what our new “normal” looks like. As I jumped on here to give a quick update.. all I keep coming back to is the thought of how amazing Elie’s care was at the hospital. (She is doing great at home- serving up gummy smiles like she’s practicing to audition to be a Disney princess tomorrow). Everyone is okay, and we have a full week of labs and follow ups ahead.
I wanted to take a minute to share my gratitude for the OUTSTANDING nurses, techs, surgical team, her liver team, and pharmacy team.. truly, the best.. TOP TIER. To her nurses- there simply just aren’t enough Daisy Awards to demonstrate how big of a blessing you all were to her and I both. The intentional care, consistent hard work, and genuine kindness to my sweet girl, made the hardest week of my life, one of reflection and encouragement to feel gratitude for the blessings we have.
Our surgical and liver team for coming by throughout the day to not just discuss results/decisions.. but to ensure I understand and was comfortable in the direction she was heading. And simply, just to check in.. on her and I both. The patience both teams had to educate me as a parent, hear my concerns, and ride the emotional rollercoaster of (again).. emotional ..barrage of question. I can’t tell yall how many times I’ve cried to them saying “THIS ISNT NORMAL. This can’t be normal. Is she in pain? Should her legs look that swollen? She’s turning into the Michelin Man! What can we do for her!?! I can’t tell if she’s uncomfortable, in pain, or what’s happening with her anymore. Deb, are you leaving me, or will you be back tomorrow?”
No matter how many times I needed to hear, or re-hear something strictly for my own validation.. they were happy to explain (or re-explain) it to me. All while uplifting me along the way.
Man, I’m grateful to be home with my people. And although it’s been tricky to balance both the recipient and a donor healing patient, as well as a wild child 5 year old. We have the absolute best support system holding us upright along the way. One day at a time. Their constant reminders that we will be okay, and we can do this. Stepping up and helping make Luca feel special and loved, especially where I’m unintentionally lacking. Our sister driving 4 hours just for the 5 year old duty respite, and simultaneously helping everywhere else. Their multiple (long, summer sun) walks with big brother Luca, even the simple act of helping do our laundry .. and all in between.. I feel so.. lucky.
I need a field of Daisies. For all the people in our lives and on our care team who are extraordinary, compassionate, courageous, and allowing their integrity to surely show. I couldn’t imagine my sweet baby girl being in better hands. To see her whole team come back every day wearing their “Elie” bracelets in support of her, made my day, every day. It was the little, intentional details. Daisy awards all around. I can’t speak highly enough.
