COVID-19 has imposed so many restrictions and disrupted so many family gatherings, holidays and celebrations this year. It’s an especially difficult time when family members cannot accompany their loved ones to hospitals.
But one man still found a way to let his wife and newborn baby know that he was there.
Jose Izarraras knew he would not be inside the hospital room with his wife Jackie for the birth of their first daughter. So he decided to take to the sidewalk outside the Kaiser Permanente Panorama City hospital to serenade his family with traditional mariachi music.
Prompted by her nurses, Jackie thought she was going on a routine walk with her baby. Instead, to her surprise, the wife was told to look outside her slightly opened, third-floor corner window where she witnessed the heartwarming sight: her husband and son, and a small group of close family and friends wearing joyful smiles under their face coverings to welcome the arrival of baby Alina Rose.
“In that moment, we forgot about the pandemic,” Jose said. “I was overwhelmed with happiness and grateful we were able to do something so special for my wife and daughter.”
“I want to give a special thanks to all the nurses and staff,” shared Jackie. “They made me feel very comfortable and assisted us every step of the way.”
The name Alina comes from mixed origins and means “Light.” For this family, the birth of their first daughter has served as a beacon of light in these unprecedented, challenging times.
“Trust me. We are going to let her know,” said Jose about Alina’s special welcome.