Nursing student pinned by her own NICU nurse from 22 years ago: 'We're passing the torch'

There’s something profoundly heartwarming about reuniting with a person after years and seeing how far they’ve come. The chance to reconnect brings a unique sense of satisfaction and comfort. NICU nurse Sara Longest experienced this joy during a proud moment when she had the honor of pinning Isabella Vanklompenberg on her graduation day, as reported by the Midland Daily News.

Longest first met Vanklompenberg in 2001, when she was a NICU nurse caring for the premature baby, who weighed just over 2 pounds at birth. Over 20 years later, Vanklompenberg completed her nursing degree, inspired by the very nurse who had cared for her all those years ago.

Vanklompenberg was born at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital in Grand Rapids via C-section to her mother, Stacy Grody. She spent over a month in the NICU under Longest’s dedicated care before being discharged home. Years later, she pursued her studies at Davenport University, determined to follow in Longest’s footsteps. Her journey culminated in a heartfelt moment during the traditional pinning ceremony for nursing graduates, held at Bullock Creek High School auditorium.

The ceremony was made even more special when Longest was there to pin the badge on Vanklompenberg—a touching full-circle moment for both women. For Vanklompenberg, it was a chance to reconnect with the nurse who once cared for her in the most vulnerable days of her life and to celebrate how far they had both come together.

"It’s like a full circle thing—now here she is graduating from nursing school," Longest said. Vanklompenberg has been holding nothing but gratitude in her heart for Longest, who ever so lovingly cared for her and stood by her and her family’s side as a strong support system. "I’m just glad that today, I’m able to thank her and recognize her for all the work that she did,” the young woman said. Vanklompenberg had chosen Longest to have the privilege of pinning her uniform on the big day. “My mom reached out to Longest because we thought it would be pretty neat if she could pin me,” she remarked. When it was Vanklompenberg’s turn to be on the stage, the NICU nurse pinned the young woman’s uniform and shared an endearing moment packed with a reminiscing exchange of smiles.

Longest revealed that her journey with the then-little one did not end at the hospital after she came home. She delightfully mentioned that Vanklompenberg’s mom would send her updates and pictures on Facebook. "When Belle mentioned the pinning ceremony, it immediately dawned on me that it should be Sara," Grody said. "What an amazing experience it would be to have Longest comeback and complete this circle. She didn't even hesitate (when I asked her)."

While the mom was proud to see the duo share their moment on stage, for Longest, it is an overwhelming and emotional memory. Davenport University shared a glimpse of the duo in a post celebrating the iconic reunion, The nurse mentioned that she is still licensed but no longer works at the hospital, but having shared the pinning ceremony with Vanklompenberg, it was like she was passing her duty down to the young woman. "We're kind of passing the torch in a way. I'm excited to become a nurse and do my thing out there, too," Vanklompenberg exclaimed.

This article originally appeared 7 months ago.