Few people know this, but on October 11, 2006, I went to visit Allison at work. I had the day off from teaching, so Melissa and I decided to meet Allison at the Pancake Pantry for a late brunch. On a whim, I asked Allison, if I could get a tour of the hospital and see what it is she does.
So, we toured. She took me by her office, the food court, the play rooms, the performance stage, the trains, and then by the Myelosuppression Unit on the 6th floor. All the while, explaining the purpose behind each. As I walked down to bid her farewell, I turned around and said, "I never want a reason to come back here, but I'm so glad this place exists."
How on earth could I have known that the next day I would be coming to that same place to hear the dreaded news about Joshua's defective blood. All the while, knowing that when I got there, my sweet friend would be there to show me the way.
Allison sat with us as we cried the night Joshua was diagnosed. She stood with me and explained every procedure the first time they happened. She sat on the cold hospital floor and played with Joshua for hours so that we could catch our breath. She brought me countless Dr. Peppers. She stole toys from all over the hospital to make sure Joshua was well stocked. She laughed with us when we were finally able to laugh again. She met us in the Emergency Room every single time, even when we told her she didn't need to. She met us in the clinic every Wednesday for a solid year.
I miss her. The last two clinic appointments have gone well, but there is still a hole, a feeling of loneliness that I didn't expect. Allison has played a major role in the healing that is taking place in all our lives. I know that she will continue to do so, just in a different way.
So here's to you, our dear friend, and thanks for being willing to be a tangible example of the Lord's care and grace.
7 comments:
Wow, how amazing that you toured the place the day before. It blows my mind sometimes to see the little things that happen in our lives as a means of God's gentle preparation. She sure sounds like a special friend!
This is why I became a nurse. I'm so glad God put her in your path to walk with you and possibly ease the journey ever so slightly. I pray that hole may be filled with another angel.
What a sweet story...I've got tears...
so glad God puts peope like that in our paths, even before we know what vital role they will play! hope life is well for the kelleys!
As I was reading your last blog I realized that Allison as a Child Life Specialist at Vanderbilt has a job that my youngest granddaughter is training for as a last semester Senior at Baylor University. She did her practicum at Children's Medical Center in Dallas and is now sending her resumes to hospitals in application for internship. Thank you for sharing this lovely tribute to a helping profession that is relatively new. God bless you as you continue on your journey. Love and Prayers,
Always, Joan
I haven't checked out your blog in while, but I love reading about your family's hopes and struggles. Thanks for being real. I hope you all are doing well, and you're in my prayers.
I miss my Wed candy breaks as well! All I can say is that it is a privilege to live life with each of the Kelley's. It has certainly been a year of good- bad- ugly and yes laughter! Thanks for letting me enter in the detailed moments of life and for letting me be apart of the family. I learn daily lessons from each of you-whether it is how to make the most of a scrabble game -to how to live in community-to wise or hysterical thoughts written on a blog- to living every part of life honestly before all who are watching! Love yall!
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