Paintin' Punkins

Yesterday, I spent the day in Greenville visiting my sister and my sweet baby nephew, Brady.  It's been three months since he was born, and my sister has been right by his side, everyday, as he recuperates in the hospital.  He has had more complications than we expected, but we are all very hopeful that he will be going home soon.

As you can imagine, spending that much time away from home can be difficult, but my sister has shown an amazing amount of strength during this whole experience.  I have witnessed more acts of kindness from the community and support from family and friends, that I know it has made some of the stress and worry of Brady's situation subside for my sister and her family.  She has grown to know nothing else over the course of these few months but to be the best mother she can be for Brady.  And I know that the excellent care and amazing skill of the hospital staff on the PICU floor has truly enabled her to do that as well.

I think it is Barbara's complete devotion to Brady and her determination to be an advocate for his treatment that has made her a favorite among the nursing staff on the PICU floor.  Time and time again I hear the nurses tell my sister that she is a breath of fresh air.  They work in a world where not every parent cares; they witness some horrendous crimes against children that cause them to be patients on the PICU floor.  So to see someone who loves their child as much as Barbara loves Brady, I know it must give them hope.

To help pass her time in the hospital, the Child Life specialist has befriended my sister and has given her great activities to do during her visits with Brady.  One of the most popular activities to date is pumpkin painting.  It started off small with Barbara painting a pumpkin for Brady.  But then she started getting requests from other patients and the nursing staff to paint pumpkins for them as well.  So when I showed up yesterday, Barbara said, "Guess what we're doing today..."  When she told me, I couldn't wait to get started.



Here are some of the pumpkins that were created:







Even though this journey with Brady has been a difficult one, I am so very thankful for the little moments and the happy celebrations that have made this journey for my sister and her family one of hope and love.  Thank you to all who have kept my sister and her family in your thoughts and prayers.

"When witches go riding,

and black cats are seen,

the moon laughs and whispers,

‘tis near Halloween."

- Author Unknown