Dear NICU Staff

Dear NICU staff,

Four months ago, you took care of daughter, Isabella Claire, after she was born via emergency C-section. You were compassionate and efficient, and gave us confidence that absolutely everything possible was being done. You gave her the care that we could not, and we were able to sleep knowing she was in the best hands.

After she died the following day, we remember your care, gentleness, and kindness during that time. You listened while we struggled to process what was happening, cried with us over the surprise and confusion of the whole thing, and assured us that there was nothing we did wrong or should have done differently. We are so grateful for what you did for us and for what you do every day for other families. We thank God that you cared for our daughter.

It meant a great deal to us that several of you were able to attend her funeral the following week. We never imagined that, within such a short period of time, Isabella’s life could impact so many. It was clear that we were surrounded by a whole community that grieved with us.

These last four months have been challenging in ways we never imagined. The grace and love shown to us through the NICU, other hospital staff, and our family and friends have made it possible for us to remember that there is still a future and we will have joy. We are hanging in there through the hard days. We trust that God will not waste our pain and will use Isabella’s story in some way for good.

Thank you so much for the gift of love and care you gave our daughter and us. We will never forget that, and we are grateful you are a part of our story too. Enclosed are some photos. We hope you enjoy the cookies we baked as a small sign of our appreciation.

With heartfelt thanks,

(We took cookies and this note to the NICU last month.)