Posted December 7, 2008, by
kim He was a small boy about 3 years old when I first met him. He visited his Mommy everyday and was always accompanied by his Grandma. His Mom battled a terminal illness and it seemed so unfair that this little boy had to deal with this. He was a typical boy always running around and quite rambunctious. If I had time I would play a little hide and seek and tag with him.This was done as quietly and discreetly as possible as I was a nurse and on duty at the time..... My co-workers know that I love kids and if they couldn't find me and they knew that there was a child or a baby visiting that's probably where they could find me. This precious little guy always sought me out as well as whoever I was working with prior to leaving. His Grandmother would say to him that they needed to go and remind him that the nurses were busy. He would not take no for an answer and waited till we were free. He then proceeded to give us a hug and said goodbye in his husky little voice. This was his ritual everyday without fail. He was such a precious little guy with his impish grin and strong determination.His little ritual carried on the length of time that we cared for his Mom.
It is always difficult around Christmas time to work on an Oncolgy unit . I usually start to feel that familiar unsettled feeling around the 1st of December. Each day hoping and praying that my patients and their families might have one more Christmas together. Last year about the middle of December those feelings I described were at their peak. It was a difficult day. Then ,I heard someone say ,"We have a little visitor.". I looked up from the task at hand and there stood a little boy . He looked to be about 6 years old and behind him stood his grandmother. He was dressed in a dresscoat with slacks. He had little round glasses on and a cute beanie hat to top of his impeccable outift. He then said in that familiar husky voice ," I just wanted to come and wish the nurses that looked after my Mommy a Merry Christmas." Then he proceeded to thank us for looking after his Mommy. I felt my heart open up and I was overwhelmed with his simple message of thanks and Christmas cheer. I bent down to look him in the eye and asked him if we could share a hug . He responded just as he always had when he was three.As he walked away holding onto his grandmothers' hand I had the sense that God had sent him .
A Christmas visitor bringing a message of hope.
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Wonderful!
I was able to refine this story and gave copies to the aunt and uncle of the little boy who will give copies to the grandmother and little guy himself. With their permission I included this little story with the Christmas cards I sent out this year. It was a pleasure to share this story and adds even more value and meaning to the special moment when it can be shared with others. To Dr. Love and Peter I thank you for the encouragement. It all started here , so thanks for the gift.
After my eyes welled up again after reading this, 2 things struck me. 1) The mother and grandmother must have really encouraged gratitude with this little guy. How precious is that? 2) As healthcare practitioners, sometimes we don't know how we've impacted the lives of others until much, much later in time.
Beautiful. Thanks.