The following story was submitted by Fusion employee Stephanie Stanley, who tragically lost her son after an 11-month battle with congenital heart disease. Grant passed in October 2025; he left the world after making an unforgettable impression on everyone he met, including the nurses who delivered compassionate care to him throughout his life.
The Love that Guides Us
One mother’s story of love, loss, and the nurses who became her guiding light through 11 months of hospital life.
11 Months of Love and Lessons
I spent 11 months at Children’s Hospital of Nebraska with my son, who was born with congenital heart disease. For every single one of those days, he fought with everything he had, and he led with joy and love. He made sure that anyone who walked into his room, except for a short phase of stranger danger, got his full attention and one of his radiant smiles. While his story didn’t end the way we dreamed, I carry so many lessons from the lamps that lit our dark path during those months filled with uncertainty, fear, pain, and loss.
To Our Angel Nurses
To all of you reading, including the beautiful angel nurses who cared for Grant, what you do matters. More than you’ll ever know. Every minute of your work is selfless and full of love, and we feel it deep in our hearts.
A Prayer Answered
My faith was my anchor during those hard days. I was sitting alone on the patio outside the hospital one afternoon, and I prayed for angels to surround my son. And they sure did. Not long after, my husband called to ask if I’d be back for the shift change. I rushed inside to say goodbye to our angel nurse for the day and meet the new one for the evening. When I walked into the room, the nurse had her back to me as I chatted with my husband about what I’d missed. Then she turned around and, with the sweetest voice, said,
“Hi, I’m Angel, and I’ll be taking care of your son tonight.”
I laughed and cried at the same time.
Nurses are angels in every sense of the word, even if your name isn’t Angel. You matter. Every interaction, every smile, every check-in, every little detail. You’re there with our loved ones through the good, the bad, and everything in between.
A Gift of Time & Humanity
I feel so blessed to work at a place that truly cares. Fusion gave me the gift of time with my son, and they care for you, too. We hope to lead with love in every interaction, every smile, every check-in, every detail, because you, angel nurses, are our lamp and our light. Thank you for being who you are and for lighting our paths with love.
Keep shining your light…it changes lives in ways you may never see, but it matters more than you’ll ever know.
