Leaving lasting impressions

I have been having many difficulties lately regarding my health.  I recently found out that my cancer has spread, and I have had many troubles healing from common illnesses.  Because of this, I have been spent a lot of time admitted to the hospital.  I hate being admitted.  No one likes being in the hospital.  I'm pretty used to it, so spending time there doesn't bother me.  The thing that bothers me the most is that I can't visit my "kids", and other friends at the treatment center.

I keep in touch with everyone at the treatment center through phone calls and text messages, but of course it isn't the same as being there in person.  I miss seeing the smiles on the faces of the children, hugging my friends, and catching up with the nurses.  It's also difficult on my husband and our puppies.  The boys have to stay in their cages all day, and Jeff stays up way to late spending time with me at the hospital after work.  I feel like I'm inconveniencing everyone when I am admitted to the hospital.

After one of my recent admissions to the hospital, I went to visit the kids at the cancer center.  I was getting caught up with one of the nurses.  She was telling me that one of the little boys (Danny) had been having terrible nightmares.  They were so bad that he had to sleep in a different room because he was disturbing the other children's sleep.  I felt awful for him.  The nurse went on to tell me that he would wake up so frightened that he was terrified to go back to sleep.  I knew I had to do something to help.  I couldn't let him continue this pattern of disturbing nights.

I thought about what things comfort me.  I know when I'm scared, or anxious talking to someone helps me calm down.  Their voice distracts me from my fears.  I knew exactly what to do for Danny.  I went to Hallmark and bought a recordable book.  I recorded my voice reading the book and a little message at the end of the story.  The next day I took the book to Danny.  I told him if he was scared, or alone he could open this book and know I was with him.  That day I got admitted to the hospital once again.  The next morning I got a phone call from Danny's mom.  She was crying.  I was horrified to hear what she had to say.  I thought something happened to Danny.  To my surprise, she told me that the book worked wonders for Danny.  She said that he had a terrible nightmare, but the book helped him calm down and get back to sleep.  He was doing so much better at night that he was allowed to sleep in the room with the other kids again.  I was so happy to hear he had help for his nightmares.

I was going through a difficult time with my health for about a month after giving the book to Danny.  I was in the hospital for a while and then quarantined.  I was unable to go visit my "kids" at the treatment hospital.  I was missing them so much.  I got another phone call from Danny's mom a few days into my quarantine.  Again, I was nervous about what she had to say.  It turned out to be a wonderful call.  She was at the cancer center with the kids.  They had all been missing me, so Danny played the book for all of them.  After listening to the book they asked to call me.  I was overwhelmed with emotions.  I was so touched by how loving the children were and are everyday.  The call brought tears to my eyes, and brightened up such a difficult time in my healthcare.

That phone call made me realize the lasting impressions people leave on each other.  Even when we can't be together with the ones we love, we are always on their minds, and in their hearts.  The power of love is so strong.  I have felt it stronger than ever in the past couple years.  It's so important to love deeply and give love whole-heartedly.  It is the most amazing feeling!