Bells and Buggies

We didn't get many plants and flowers when Laynie died.  We asked for all donations to be made to her trust, so we could give a big donation in her honor to the Children's Hospital (because we practically lived there for the last 7 months of her life).  We took the money from the support of our families and loved ones, and Lacey bought IV buggies.  When a child is getting a transfusion or stuck to a pole in a room getting any kind of therapy, they are pretty immobile.  So Lacey wanted to get these cute little buggies and call them Layniebuggies, so when a child was in the hospital they could hook their iv's to the pole on the buggies, put their "stuff" in the basket, and get to the playroom, walk the halls, be more mobile, etc.   It was genius.

The family gathered and brought the buggies to make the donation

I think the nurses loved them

 

I know that Lindsay sure did.

We hope that everyone that uses one at Children's Hospital reads about her, and the love we felt for her and the nurses at the hospital, rings through to the people using the buggy.

Before Laynie was born, I had never experienced a truly sick child.  Sure, we had ear infections, and pneumonia, and chicken pox, and all of those things brought their own worries into the picture, but I had no idea the amount of sick children, and I mean REALLY SICK children there are.  

The 10th floor of Children's Hospital introduced me to that world.  Little sweet bald headed children, with tired, worried parents are everywhere on that floor.  We made a lot of friends with many of the nurses, and the PA that took care of Laynie was just an exceptional human being, and the other families there...well... just precious friends.    We spent many hours in the transfusion room pouring life back into our girl.  And she would respond well for many weeks, and then we'd have to go back in for her "Fix" and get her blood tank filled back up.  It worked for 7 months.  

We met some exceptional parents up on that floor, and yesterday, I was honored to see Brock Hart ring his bell, signifying the end of his chemo treatments.   He has been on chemo for 3 1/2 years.  He is 5. 

Read all about Brock's journey here

 Toby Keith showed up and brought him a little guitar.  Brock wasn't starstruck at all.  I totally was. 

I remember July 4, 2010 watching the fireworks from bricktown with Lacey, and Brock and his mom and dad and sister from the windows in the transfusion room.  We pulled up all the blinds and watched the beauty.  Brock was so sweet with Laynie, they were both two, and had been so sick.  You become a family on that floor, all of you up there fighting the fight of living,  together.  You rejoice with the victories, and share in the pain.  A family.

So we were honored and thrilled that  Brock has reached the mark in his journey where he can go forward without chemo.   I'm so thrilled for his family and sisters.  Everyone pray for them, for Brock's continued healing, and their peace and encouragement as they start this new road.

Life is a gift.  Health is a gift.  We all take for granted our healthy children.  I am as guilty of it, as the next guy.  

But people, I am here to tell you.....  BE THANKFUL for your healthy perfect children.  And NEVER EVER take for granted ONE blessed day.

Hug them extra tight, and love them extra long today.....because today is your gift.