The Way You Do One Thing...

This Halloween, I found myself tagging along with Thing 1, Thing 2, and Thing 3 — a.k.a. my youngest and her friends. They were decked out in full Cat in the Hat regalia, complete with bright blue wigs and plenty of energy. It was chaotic, fun, and very on brand for this season of life.

As far as our high schooler? Let’s just say her costume choice reminded me that we’ve officially crossed into the “we’re not talking about it” era of parenting. If you know, you know.  

Amid the whirlwind of costumes and candy, something else stuck with me this week. A family tagged us in a heartfelt post on social media. Their baby was born prematurely and spent 188 days across three hospitals, including GBMC. A 25-weeker. One surgery. Four ambulance rides. Nearly 18,000 miles traveled. And then finally, after half a year of tiny victories and hard days, they got to carry him through their own front door. Their message was beautiful and humbling.

“The best nurses, doctors, respiratory therapists, and staff anyone could ever ask for… an unbelievable support system… and one absolutely amazing miracle.”

This family’s words say so much. They paint a picture of strength, resilience, and the kind of care that truly changes lives.

There’s a quote I love: “The way you do one thing is the way you do everything.”

If you stock a supply closet with care or sit with a worried parent just a few minutes longer, or check and double-check a medication dose before delivering it ... those “small” things are anything but. They’re evidence of a culture built on clinical excellence and human moments – going the extra mile to make a scary time just the tiniest bit less stressful. And eventually, they become part of the story a family tells when they finally get to say, “He’s home.”

I’m proud (so incredibly proud) of the role GBMC played in that story and of the team that showed up, day after day, to care for this baby and his family. This week, I just want to say thank you to all involved. For doing the little things, for believing in miracles, and for proving, time and again, that this is a place where people find health, healing, and hope.

Welcome home, to this little baby. And happy (slightly belated) Halloween to the rest of you.

COMMENTS

**Janice commented on 11/6/25 at 15:27:**
I love reading your weekly blogs. Your blogs lifts me up for the day. So thankful to be a part of this organization for almost 26 years.

   **Dr. Gopalakrishnan replied:**
   Thank you Janice… We are incredibly blessed to have you on our team.

**Rebecca Johnston commented on 11/6/25 at 14:06:**
Thank you for being so personable with us all. Very refreshing.

   **Dr. Gopalakrishnan replied:**
   Thank you Rebecca. Blessed to be here.

**Sharon Edwards commented on 11/6/25 at 10:30:**
Thank you for sharing your life stories. They are very inspiring.

   **Dr. Gopalakrishnan replied:** 
   Thank you Sharon.

**Amanda Leonard commented on 11/4/25 at 08:15:**
Reading your weekly blog posts has truly been a highlight of my week. I love hearing about the different experiences and lessons you’ve learned throughout your life and how you bring those principles forward into your leadership today. Thank you for your vulnerability and for always championing your team!

   **Dr. Gopalakrishnan replied:**
   Thank you Amanda, but I am the lucky one. It is an honor to serve this team.

**Shawn Unger commented on 11/4/25 at 08:06:**
Hi Dr G. As a parent of a 32 weeker that was in the NICU for 2 months this comment resonates. GBMC’s NICU is truly amazing. Thank you for what you do for the staff and patients at GBMC.

   **Dr. Gopalakrishnan replied:**
   They are truly amazing. Hope your NICU graduate is doing well.

**SHAYLA LEWIS commented on 11/4/25 at 07:57:**
Such an inspiring story. It's the small, compassionate gestures that make a lasting impact. Thank you for sharing this memory and reminding us of the power of kindness in healthcare.

   **Dr. Gopalakrishnan replied:**
   Absolutely… we have such amazing people at GBMC.

**Barbara Bodyk commented on 11/4/25 at 06:41:**
Just a quick note to say thank you—your posts are so refreshing, uplifting, inspiring, and reaffirming. They remind me of why I chose this field and why I love what I do. Appreciated more than you know!

   **Dr. Gopalakrishnan replied:**
   Your comments made my day. Thank you for such kindness.