Tonight's picture was taken in October of 2006. This is one of my favorites of Mattie and me during a fall festival. So glad that Peter captured it. I think we were both intrigued by this HUGE white pumpkin, we decided to take a photo with it! The pumpkin was bigger than Mattie!
Quote of the day: Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another: ‘What! You too? I thought I was the only one. ~ C.S. Lewis
I drove to Baltimore today to visit the Children's Hospital at Sinai, where Mattie Miracle has a free snack and item cart. I try to visit Sinai once a quarter. I would do it more often, but it can take me 90 minutes of commuting each way thanks to DC traffic. It is important for me to assess how the services we provide are actually working. I can get reports, which are helpful, but the true test for me is live interaction with patients and families.
I go on hospital visits with no expectations. I feel this is vital because I remember all too well what it was like being confined in a hospital room for days on end. I truly disliked visitors and people entering into our space. Most likely because we had NO CONTROL over anything else in the hospital. I know some non-profits visit hospitals and want fanfare and cameras. The only reason I want cameras is to document to our supporters that their donations are making a difference. Nothing conveys this like a photo.
Given some of the children and families I interacted with today, I opted not to disturb any of them with photographs. It just did not seem appropriate. However, this is the first time I pushed the Cart around and actually got several hugs from moms. They couldn't thank me enough. They said this cart is a lifesaver, it has brightened their day, and one dad basically said that it perked up his spirits. All this feedback was music to my ears! These parents confirmed what I believe..... and that is the Cart is vital in any hospital. In fact, one mom said she has been to many hospitals and NEVER experienced such a generous service anywhere else! I personally think our Carts make our hospitals look good!
This is a photo of Bridget and I today. I love Bridget and her entire family. They are special people. Bridget has every right to depressed, angry at the world, and a bitter person. She has been managing an aggressive cancer for a decade now. A cancer that robbed her of her teenage years and a cancer that has left her coping with significant physical issues. However, Bridget is truly remarkable, humorous, and a ray of sunshine. Honestly we all could learn a lesson or two from her!
Sure parents love their children and their children love their parents, but I believe there are different levels and degrees of love and devotion. Needless to say, it is so special to be in Cathy and Bridget's presence. They understand each others needs without words.
By the way, a while back Bridget gave me the title of "Mom #2!" I can't tell you how special that is to me. There are no words!!!
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