Frankie, Grandma Lynda (my mom) and I headed to a city about an hour from our house to visit the Children’s Hospital. I received a request from Krissy who works for the Extended Pediatric Daycare. Despite getting lost, we arrived on time. I was in awe of the big buildings and the care that goes into all that transpires within the walls of Children’s Hospital.
When we arrived we were greeted very warmly… have a dog with you and everyone loves you! The front desk helped us to get where we needed to be, but not until one of the ladies could hold Frankie. We happily obliged.
The day care was a room of cubby boxes for the children’s coats and boots, toys, bean bags, tables, nurses, beds, and medical equipment. Three precious little ones were there today. Many unfortunately were out sick or at doctor appointments. But none-the-less three sweet souls waited with big eyes to meet Frankie.
A little boy with wispy blonde hair was a bit apprehensive at first to pet Frankie, but in no time at all he warmed up to the idea. He wore a back pack on his back with what I assume is his medical needs contained within the pack. Tubes were also evident coming from his small body. I was amazed at the normalness of this little guy as he made his way happily around the day care, back pack and all, just doing what boys do… with lots of energy. Many times he’d return back to me. I was sitting on the floor with Frankie and he would set his tiny hand on my shoulder, look into my eyes and then look to Frankie.
The darling energetic girl with barrettes of every color in her hair was entranced with Frankie. She kept saying puppy and also Brookie, who happened to be her friend who was not at day care today. When I gave them each some Frankie tokens I asked if she’d like some for her friend Brookie which she eagerly nodded her head yes. She then placed the items in Brookie’s bin so she would see them when she returned.
Another young boy with eyelashes ten feet long sat with one of the day care ladies. She told me they have had other therapy dog’s visit, but this was the first time he responded to one. Made my heart swell knowing that. At one point this boy of no sound made his way over to me and laid his head on my knee. Another first for him as he had not done that before.
I cannot always explain how I feel inside when I do this volunteer work. All I know is I may be giving something to others, but I am also being rewarded in immeasurable ways, ways I could have never imagined. As we left today my mom said how lucky she felt to have three healthy children. It is so very hard to imagine what these families go through. Just as it is so hard to understand why some of these children may only be here (on earth) for a very short time. But in that time they give us lessons only a young child can.
Everyone who works at Children’s Hospital no doubt has hearts of gold and how lucky we have them to do this precious work. God Bless each and every one of them, and all the children and their families.
