Hospital Gratitude: Visitors

Remember to give thanks when you are weak.  Let the thanks nourish you, let God's grace make you strong.  ~Ann Voskamp, One Thousand Gifts

 

In July, we took Evelyn to Nationwide Hospital in Columbus, Ohio for a week of tests with the foremost colorectal surgeon in the world, Dr. Marc Levitt.  Our outpatient status changed to admission when she developed a kidney infection.   In the midst of a hard experience, thousands of miles from home, we were blessed with the gift of visitors, and they were game changers. 

 

This surgery trip was no different, and we still can't take it in.  Somehow, though four states away from home, we were lavished with love. 

 Our thoughtful China adoption buddies, Jennifer and Olivia, visited once again, bringing smiles, songs, dance numbers, princess supplies, lunch from Panera, magazines and a fat bag of Trader Joes treats for momma.  Their big, generous hearts brought huge blessing to our day.   These two are a team on a kindness mission, always loving, always encouraging.  They love big and love well and we are deeply grateful. 

 And then there was Erin, who visited Michelle (another surgery momma) and I from Colorado.  As in she flew in from the other side of the country to spend one hour encouraging us on the night of our kids' surgeries.  This sweet soul is incredible generous of heart.  She walked into Evelyn's hospital room and my mushy brain couldn't even put together who she was. So out of context, so far from home, and so impossible that she'd make such a trip.  We've been messaging for months.  I've prayed for her and she's prayed for me.  Then suddenly, there she was, on a day when a hug really meant something. 

 

She and I are forever connected by Love Without Boundaries.  Both Evelyn and her Bekah received love and care at the Heartbridge Healing Home for medically fragile children in Beijing.  Our hearts were broken a few months ago when Bekah passed away after a heart surgery.  The loss is immense.

 

We overflow with gratitude for Erin, who though still mourning the loss of Bekah, came from so far to encourage us.   

We saw no shortage of surgeons during our hospital stay, but this one blew us away. 

Meet Dr. Smith, Evelyn's brilliant and kind urologist.  From Atlanta. 

 

This man saved our girl's life back in December 2013, just after we returned home.  He's kept right on saving her life, performing bladder surgery in January, then again in March, and treated multiple kidney infections.  He's a gift directly from God.  And though he's a busy surgeon, he's led our medical ship in so many ways. 

Dr. Smith was in Columbus for a conference and remembered Evelyn was having a surgery in November, so he spoke with Dr. Levitt, and ended up standing in our hospital room. 

Our gratitude can not be measured. 

These special ladies are some of my "me too" mommas.  Stephanie's daughter, Abby, had surgery on the same day, so we exchanged notes in the hallways and parent break room. 

 

Jennifer lives in Columbus and came by to visit, just as she did in July.  She came bearing chocolate and toys, and the connection of someone who gets us.  Her son, Justin, has a similar condition as Evie. 

He too was Love Without Boundaries baby. 

 

We so wanted a sweet photo of the two of them to send to LWB, but it was just not our girl's best day.  Much gratitude to Jennifer for her visit, her love, her friendship, and her understanding when we needed to rest. 

 Finally came these two incredibly generous families.  They are relatives of our sweet friend, Rachel, from home.  She has family in Columbus, so she called on the troops.  And they came.  They prayed over us, smiled at us, hugged us and brought toys, water bottles and treats. 

 

We got to know each other on our hospital couch, and they spilled out love all over the room. 

They didn't know us, but they came anyway. 

 

Evelyn felt good at one of the visits, but not great at the other.  Both families made her smile though, and both were angels to our family.  Both challenged me to serve bigger and farther outside my comfort zone. 

 The toys and chocolate were a fun treat, but it was the presence of these kind souls that mattered most.  They nourished us with themselves and were walking, talking agents of God's lavish love. 

 

 

Never underestimate the power of a hospital visit, friends.  Even the shortest ones make an impact.
 I'll admit that I've never visited anyone other than family, but that will be changing.