Christmas 2021 was memorable and unexpected. Our grandson Tate was sick in the hospital (actually he bounced around to three hospitals in seven days). His parents were trying to be with him at the hospital and cover things at home with the three girls. Driving times to and from the hospital meant that their oldest daughter was babysitting a lot. Friends and neighbors were stepping in to help but my goodness, it was the week of Christmas, and everyone had activities to go to and things to do.
To abbreviate--with the support and encouragement of my husband and family, some of whom had just arrived to spend the holiday with us, I flew out to California. It was my great pleasure to help in any small way. Besides spending time with the three girls at home, I was able to take a shift at the hospital with Tate. Here are some things in my heart which I am grateful for....
--A placid seven year-old boy who submitted to his treatments and procedures willingly.
--Hospital staff who allowed an exception to be made on Christmas Eve so that someone other than Tate's parents could spend the night with him.
--The blessing of putting my vaccination card in my backpack before I left for California, which allowed me to be admitted into the hospital.
--A mini Christmas tree which stood in the corner of Tate's hospital room. Surrounding the tree were gifts from his parents and cards from his sisters.
--A wonderful organization that donated a box of activities for Tate, along with other hospital patients. Tate woke up to a surprise box of gifts on Christmas day.
--The quiet and calm felt in the hospital room.
--Making a Christmas Eve/Christmas day menu with the three girls and taking them shopping in the rain to purchase the necessary items.
--The amazing hospital staff who worked through the holidays taking care of sick children.
--Tate's devoted parents who ran themselves ragged caring for him and being with him.
--Talking with Tate in the hospital about the Christmas story, and about how Heavenly Father and Jesus knew him and knew he was in the hospital.
--Sweet feelings of not being alone in the hospital room.
--Hearing how family members rallied together and made spectacular meals at home, even better than I would have made!
--Our college-age son staying up late on Christmas Eve and decorating for his father's birthday.
--A new sensitivity that Christmas is not always joyful and predictable. A desire to reach out each Christmas to those who are experiencing pain at Christmas time.
--An increase of love.
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