Serendipitous Girl

As we walk across the bridge connecting the parking garage with the hospital, it is obvious that the building we are entering is its own little universe. Thankfully, we have only been here once before, but that was many years ago. We were visitors then; today, our purpose is quite different. The exterior stained-glass windows are beautiful, artistic even. Their panes filter the sun entering the building, casting a warm glow. I observe beautiful children bravely smiling. They are surrounded by nurses and parents helping them walk while numerous tubes and IVs are attached to their frail bodies. The sound of children laughing, merely being children, fills a long corridor that ends with an arcade. Walking to our destination, I observe parents in the family suite, talking with doctors fresh out of surgery. It does not take much observation to notice their heads are heavy and their hearts are worn. I quietly pray their news is positive and that today brings them a ray of light and hope. Afte...

Perseverance is not merely a word used to define an action, it  is a state of mind, a form of being.  Roughly ten days ago Jayde attended a concert with her brother, Brady, and her boyfriend, Brett. We purchased the tickets in November; they were $13. We were not too concerned if she was unable to attend. Yet to Jayde, this concert was everything. She had been messaging with the band’s photographer. He had placed her on the guest list and was giving her a press pass to take photos. She was using the pass to do a piece in her school newspaper. Her excitement was palpable. So was her stress in the week leading up to the concert. She was worried her POTS would make it impossible for her to attend the show. Her fears were not unfounded. We dropped the trio at the venue’s door, then proceeded to dinner and a movie close by. A nice respite, even if it was short. Brady was a protective big brother, texting me throughout the evening and keeping me abreast of Jayde’s wellbe...