My son Mark and I took a trip back to Hershey Medical Center a few weeks ago to visit someone. A 3 year old boy who fell and hit his head and suffered a stroke on the same side as Mark. The similarities were so similar to Mark’s it was eerie! I knew when I heard about it that I would have to go. But I wasn’t sure if I should take Mark or not. I let some time go by before I decided to just drop by. I doubt they had too many visitors drop by who said, “I’ve been through this very thing.” I prayed about whether or not to bring Mark, and the first available opportunity for me to visit was a day off school for him. “Okay then, you’re coming.”
I gussied him up and tried to make him look as handsome as possible. No clothes that were too small for him, no sleeping in the car on the way over to mess up his hair, etc. I know Mark is not perfect and I know that’s OK, but for this mom I wanted Mark to represent that “everything will be OK no matter how bleak the prognosis”.
As a bonus we got to see our “angel nurse” who took care of Mark (and me) 10 years ago when Mark was there. She was also their nurse so I knew they were in good hands! We went into the hospital room and I had a chance to visit with mom and dad as the boy and Mark sat quietly listening to us talk of intracranial pressures, surgeries, family upheaval and therapies. As we stood to leave Mark said the sweetest thing, “Mom don’t you want to hug him?” As a matter of fact… The boy’s mom also encouraged, “Give her a good one” (with the shoulder shrug). So I got myself a hug and I was really glad I took Mark.
I called the mom a week later at the hospital and confessed that I was worried that I wanted Mark to look perfect for her. She said, “He was so happy! Isn’t that all you want for your child, for them to be happy?”
She is a wise girl! Let’s all remember that today!
Mark and I enjoyed our trip over to Chocolate World and we went on the ride twice!! Is that legal?
As you go about your day today, remember that God loves you!
Jean
