Comments for a Cause – Cincinnati Children’s Hospital

April’s Comments for a Cause – Guide Dogs of America was a sweet charity that brings both joy and assistance to those who need a guide. I hope that you will click on the link (name) above and check them out. We sometimes forget that these service dogs work so hard and those that train them are bringing a loving service into our world. Kudos to them and I’ve made my donation. 🙂

May’s Comment for a Cause Charity:  CINCINNATI CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL

This cause holds a dear spot in my heart. Both of my children found themselves needing the assistance of this hospital throughout their growing years, and I know that they saved the lives of both of my children at critical and emergent times. I am forever grateful for the service that this organization brings to children in every family I know. They care for our greatest treasure, our children, during times of injury, critical illness, mental illness, and so much more. They are located in multiple locations throughout Cincinnati.

I feel honored to have been associated with them before being a member of their Kindervelt volunteer organization when my children were young, and volunteering in their gift shop for several years when transitioning from part-time to full time work. I saw first hand the hearts of those that work there – their care is so evident when you watch them interact with the children, and also the loving compassion they give the families.

Even if this is not your local children’s hospital, I hope that you will leave a comment, and share this blog for additional comments, on behalf of every child in every hospital.

I am blessed to call out Cincinnati Children’s Hospital for my May charity. Leave a note – it’s free for you and my donation (per comment) is fulfilling for me. Be blessed!

 

Hands of an Angel

I believe that when life is most fragile, angels come to assist us. This is the story of one angel that I encountered.

When my daughter was just a week old I took her to her first pediatrician visit. The doctor was concerned because her umbilical cord had fallen off prematurely, likely from the friction of the diaper, and it was not healing properly. She was concerned about the possibility of meningitis. With an even, calm, but urgent tone she instructed me to go directly to the hospital and have her tested. In my heart I could feel the dread mounting and I did exactly what she said. After an excruciatingly long time in the ER, she was finally examined by the doctor.

Again, with that calm, even tone that only a doctor seems to be able to muster up, I was told there was reason for concern. They wanted to do a spinal tap on my tiny, precious little bundle. I braced myself through my tears. But the doctor told me they would not let me be in the room during the procedure because they don’t want the baby to associate the pain of the procedure with a parent. Oh yeah, like that was going to make me feel better. My heart ached to be the one to comfort her, but I had to follow the procedures of the hospital. I could stand at the door and watch through the window but I could not be there.

Then the doctor made a call. She wanted the assistance of a particular technician. When he arrived, I suddenly understood. The technician’s name escapes me, but his hands I will always remember. They were the hands of an angel. The technician was a tall, strong, black man who appeared to have the spirit of a “gentle giant.” He wrapped his one hand around Maria’s head and the other around her bottom and slowly, gently curled her into a comforting fetal position. His steady, firm touch visibly soothed my daughter and he held her still as night during the procedure. To my surprise, she did not utter a cry. She simply lay, safely curled in the hands of this man with a special touch.

In that moment, I knew he was a living angel come to help my daughter, and me, make it through that painful, delicate moment. And in an instant he was gone. I didn’t get a chance to say thank you, but I always send a grateful prayer up on his behalf when I think of that moment. When I saw this picture … I remembered the hands of that angel.

Remember your angels and be blessed!