Last month Caed and Reagan had a joint birthday swimming party. It was the first time we had ever combined both of their parties together. (about 40 days separates their birthdays) We had decided to try something a bit different this year, and I truly think we may have stumbled upon a wonderful new tradition.
We asked their friends to bring a new unwrapped toy for either a girl or boy, any age. The response was overwhelming. Later, Caed and Reagan (and Caleb) would deliver these toys to Covenant Children's Hospital here in Lubbock. There is a very special group called Child Life that go above and beyond helping kids who have found themselves hospitalized.
I vividly remember the day back in March 2008 when I first heard of (and met) a Child Life Specialist. It had not even been 24 hours yet since initial life-saving surgery, and we were in PICU. I remember over-hearing the Pediatric Intensive Care Doctor telling the nurse...."get Child Life down here NOW!" I had no clue what she was referring to, and to be honest it frightened me to the core. About an hour later, two precious women appeared in Caed's room with their arms full. The main two items I will never forget them handing us were a green football robe and some matching house shoes. Several weeks later as we attempted to get Caed "up and moving, " those were incredibly handy. When we came to the hospital, he was wearing a t-shirt, sweat pants, and tennis shoes. He had nothing else!
The endless supply of toys (personally chosen just to fit Caed's interests), special guest visitors, crafts, story times, etc.....provided by Child Life, number the stars. Not only was he blessed by some very sweet staffers and volunteers here at Covenant, but also a tremendous C Life team in Nebraska. Even to this day, I can walk into Caed and Caleb's room and see "something" that sends chills down my spine. Caleb is now at the age Caed was when it first happened. He wears that little green football robe around the house occasionally, and honestly.....I don't like it. Not one bit. Caed sleeps with a plethora of animals each night....at least 3-4 that are Child Life gifts from the past 4 years. I love them.....and I hate them. Each one reminds me specifically of the time, place, and situation he was in. They brought tremendous JOY.....but during very dark days. Probably the toughest one is Fluffy. A Build-a-Bear that was given to Caed by C Life those first 24 hrs. Fluffy has stayed with Caed ever since....even now.
I hope I am not sounding contradictory. Child Life and ALL they have done and given Caed were life-changing. I honestly could not imagine going through one ounce of all this without them! Yes, they are THAT special. It's just seeing those particular toys, animals, clothes, NOW.....that are hard because they conjure up such deep painful memories.
Until you are a parent of a very sick, hurting hospitalized child, do you understand and appreciate ALL that Child Life does!! They help to ease the anxiety that builds up day after day and simply attempt to bring a ray of "normalcy" into the rooms of these hurting children. The best way I can describe what they do is to just say their name.......Child Life. For Caed, they helped bring the life of a child into a place that is far far opposite.
I was reminded and overwhelmed this past year with all of Caed's surgeries. It's not reserved for just the big admissions, but rather ANY admission. Major or minor. In my opinion, they are truly unsung heroes of the pediatric floors of most any hospital.
When I called last week to schedule a time for us to drop off all the toys, I spoke with the head specialist. I ((briefly)) shared Caed's story and how we wanted to give back after being abundantly blessed in the past. She stopped....let out a gasp....and said, "I remember Caed!" It was a touching moment for me and I am so thankful for this precious woman and all on her team.
My prayer is two-fold. First, that God would use these simple toys to aid in the healing process of many children. Whether it be physical or emotional. BOTH vitally important! Secondly, I pray for my own kids. That this would be something they would not forget. I want them to learn the JOY of giving, and particularly to those less fortunate. In this setting, it would be less fortunate in health. I pray for Caed especially to remember...... To remember what it's like living in a place that is not your home. Not having friends to play with or ANY ounce of normalcy surrounding you. Only hurt, pain, fear, confusion, grief, and sadness, but the joy and laughter that was brought with a simple gift from a stranger.
I overheard Caed and Caleb having a heart-to-heart the night of the birthday party. As they sat in the garage looking at ALL the wonderful gifts (that they couldn't touch), Caleb began whining saying "it's not fair..." I talked to him for awhile, but realized quickly I was beating my head against the wall on this one. I stepped away, but then overheard Caed trying his turn at explaining to sad little brother. I wanted so badly to grab my video camera. To record the words coming out of Caed's mouth, but was frozen as to not miss a word. Tears streamed down my cheeks. To hear Caed explaining in his own words what it was like being in the hospital....having surgeries.....experiencing the pain......was incredible. He talked about how these toys would help cheer up the kids laying in the hospital beds. He went on and on. In depth. It was one of the first times I had ever heard Caed verbalize "his story." Caleb sat starring at his big brother. Hanging on every word. I have no idea how much Caleb understood, but one thing is for sure. Caed and I could have said the exact same thing, but because it came from CAED......the one who truly knew.....the one who could 100% empathize.....it made all the difference. I never heard another complaint from Caleb.
My desire is to make this our new birthday tradition. And one that will only multiply in blessing.....
1 comment:
Child Life Specialist are AMAZING... they truly make the unbearable, bearable!!!!! Caed, Reagon, & Caleb GREAT JOB!!!!!!!!!!!
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