Hospital: A Night Time Perspective

Hi All,

Well, its almost one o'clock as I sit and type this in my hospital bed, sleep isn't necessarily something that comes easy in this place. I'm 21 in a children's hospital and I have a 2 year old down the hall from me, the cutest little blonde boy, and hearing him cry just breaks every inch of my heart.

He has a long journey left coming to this hospital, as do so many of the others, but now as mine is showing more and more signs of coming to an end, I can really have a greater appreciation of what spending the childhood years either always here or coming back and forth, can mean to so many of Victoria, Australia and the world's youth.

The night before my surgery, my amazing fiancé and I spent the night in the CBP (Care by Parent) unit and we met an eleven year old girl with Cerebral Palsy who'd come all the way from Tassie with her parents, just to take advantage of the expertise and care that the Royal Children's Hospital has to offer. That was pretty amazing to me, as I know that there are Children's hospitals in all states, but there was something about our Victorian hospital that made such a trip the right choice.

I'm having my difficulties getting through this surgery and remaining positive, which I guess is natural, in the face of such a challenge, but today the little boy I spoke of earlier came right into my room and smiled at me without a care in the world, even though it was obvious he's having a tough time. It was such raw innocence and happiness that although, as an adult, it breaks your heart, because you are aware of the true risks, there's something about it that you just have to smile back at, which is probably why I can't wait to have kids, they're so life affirming, and strengthening.

It’s like a pure radiation of all the beautiful things in the world come from its smallest people. This hospital has given me a lot to appreciate, and it’s the things the people here have done for me that will allow life itself to give me even more to appreciate in the future. I have the most incredible partner in the world right here beside me to have all those experiences with me, as well as people who love me, scars or otherwise. I'm pretty lucky really, and I know in the next few weeks there'll be times when I don't feel like I am, but for all who read this, deep down I know I am, and I love everyone who helped me realise it.

Right now though? I'm going to go and continue this difficult journey, for my sake. But keep all those tiny, and not so tiny, children who don't have my awareness of the difficulties they face in your hearts. Remember, this hospital is not only working to make a better future for those kids, but for our world, and only those with our awareness and will can help them do that.   

Peace =)