We Take Advantage That We Have Healthy Children

I was taking a little time out to relax and chill.  So, I went exploring. Exploring is one of the nicest things I enjoy doing.  I love finding these little surprises tucked back off the unbeaten path.  I decided to to drive around looking for one area but ended up by Vanderbilt University.  I had driven all through that area several times before. This time I became intrigued.  I would always see the Vanderbilt Children's Hospital and always wanted to go in but I never did. I decided today would be the day.  As I was parking I realized...I, and so many others, take advantage that I have healthy children.

I never really thought about it much except when two of my friends had sick babies at birth.  I prayed for them and worried with them but I never went to visit just because in that time people need to focus their energy on their sick child. As I walked to the entrance I thought about how many people have critically sick children.  Then, as I get on the elevator I saw a lady with a small baby pushing a an I.V. unit.  My heart went out to her and I gave a word of blessing. 

I walked around and took picture.  I kept thinking about how many people come through those very same areas every day worried and frantic about their children.  What do you say to those people?  Even, the best words of encouragement can't keep them from the pain they are feeling inside.  A parents love is so strong it breaks so many boundaries, even the worst parents feel that kind of love.  So, when you have sick child  and you don't know if they will be ok you can only imagine the anguish.  You don't want to leave the room or let alone leave the hospital not even to shower.  How do you comfort them?

I thought what can I do? What can I possibly do?  I decided to go to the information station and find out about volunteering.  Of course, they were closed. Then, I decided to see what the NICU lobby area looked like. Approached a receptionist. I asked if they had volunteers in the NICU and she said, "Yes, they call them cuddlers," with excitement.  A cuddler.  I cuddle babies.  I could cuddle tiny little babies.  The thought scared me.  I realized that I need to pray about my direction and where to start.  I got back on the elevator with a couple.  The husband looked more relaxed then the Mom. She looked like she was about to break out crying at any moment.  I asked, "How are you doing?" The mother responded, "Tired."  I said, "How old is your baby?" The father responded, "3 days old."  I said "I know your baby will be fine. I'll be praying for you," as we exited the elevator and they thanked me and walked over to the food court. 

 

Most of us live our life happy that we can see our children laugh and play. From time to time our children become sick and we spend a few sleepless nights to care for them.  But, do you know there are people out there that have never seen their child play they just hope that one day they can take them home.  Think about it we get so annoyed that we have shlep our kids to dance, baseball, and football but some of those parents spend most of their days in hospital room.  It is sad but it is reality for some parents.

I have no idea if I will volunteer but I do know that I will add parents of sick chilren to my prayer list.  I also know, that when I am yelling at my kids for something small and mundane there are some people that can't.