“I’ve Been A NICU Nurse For Thirteen Years, And I Almost Judged A Giant Tattooed Biker By His Hands. He Asked To Hold The Baby Nobody Had Come To Visit, And Sat In The Same Chair For Twelve Hours. Then A Nurse Noticed The Small, Faded Tattoo On His Wrist: A Name, And A Date.”

walked over and nodded at Marcus. Didn’t say anything. Marcus nodded back. That was enough. By hour eight, the night crew was filtering in. A newer nurse, Julia, asked me quietly if we should “do something about the large man in the rocking chair.” “He’s a volunteer.” “He’s been there since this morning.” “I know.” She looked at me. I looked at her.continue reading …