Tonight's picture was taken in April of 2005, during Mattie's third birthday party. Because I really do not have space to put up a kids table as well as have a magic show and entertainment going on, I served the kids on the floor. They all seemed to love it! It is hard to believe this was once going on in my living room. Seems like another lifetime.
Quote of the day: I spend half my time comforting the afflicted, and the other half afflicting the comfortable. ~ Wess Stafford
I came across tonight's quote and literally laughed. I am not sure what context Stafford wrote this quote, but in the context of my life, it is perfect. Mattie Miracle works hard to change the services and care provided to children afflicted with cancer, but who do we raise our funds from to accomplish this? For the most part from individuals and families untouched by childhood cancer, and yet to help them understand the world of childhood cancer..... I have to afflict or paint a picture for them that is not always comfortable. After all there is nothing remotely comfortable about children having cancer, having to observe this, the treatments, the side effects, and the overwhelming emotional consequences that ensue from the disease. So I constantly feel pulled in different directions because working with those who are battling childhood cancer and those who do not, are really two separate worlds and yet both worlds need to co-exist to help each other.
Georgetown University Hospital posted this article on Facebook from the Wall Street Journal today about Child Life Specialists. It was wonderful to read the coverage of this profession because Peter and I couldn't have survived Mattie's 14 month ordeal in the hospital without Linda (Mattie's amazing child life specialist). Which is why Mattie Miracle has been funding a child life position at Georgetown since 2011.
The article does a nice job explaining what child life is and how these services add to the overall well being of a child. However, what the doctor interviewed goes on to state is that every patient needs access to child life services. I couldn't agree more. I joke with Linda all the time saying.... if I am in the hospital, I want you by my side. I am not kidding, I saw what Linda was able to do for Mattie and for Peter and me. She helped make a very abnormal situation more bearable, and I would say Mattie's happiest moments were when Linda was on the scene. But why are child life specialists only for child patients? Well after reading this article, I am thrilled to read that 200 institutions are using elder life specialists now. As these psychosocial services are indicated to help reduce hospital re-admission and perhaps for older adults admission into post acute stays at nursing/rehab centers.
I remember when a family friend was admitted to Georgetown Hospital a few years ago, I had the child life staff visit him and bring him some Legos and other items. Mind you our friend was an adult. It turns out he LOVED the Legos and found them a good distraction. Distractions are the key to surviving crises and grief, and no other professional group knows how to provide such activities better than child life.
Why Hospitals Should Treat Adults Like Children:
https://www.wsj.com/articles/why-hospitals-should-treat-adults-like-children-1487864240
1 comment:
Vicki, I too, saw great meaning in your quote for tonight! I often bring up topics that people don't necessarily want to discuss. I do it anyway though with high hopes that the topic will move them to action.
I love the idea of child life helping adults during a hospital or rehab stay! This might reduce fear & isolation, many adults experience while in the hospital.
It is wonderful and a real tribute to Mattie's Child Life Specialist, the truly kind things, you said about her. It is obvious she engaged Mattie and you treasure the realationship, she fostered.
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