The hypnotic sway of a rocking chair, the quiet voice of a familiar visitor. The tiny fingers of an infant grasp the solid thumb of a man who cares deeply for her. Unaware of the tubes coming from her body and draped across the lap of her human cradle, Fatima Ortiz- Cervantes slips gracefully into a slumber highlighted by rhythmic pats on her back and tender strokes across her cheeks.
Jim Donoghue, 64, who never had children of his own, will stay for hours if she needs him to. Every baby needs to be held – especially the ones spending their first fragile days in the UC Davis Children's Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, where he volunteers.
"They need somebody to take care of them and watch out for them," he said.
His love will be felt after he's gone: He has willed all his earthly possessions to the care unit.
To nominate your community hero for the I Care column, email acruz@sacbee.com
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