Hospital Hope after Hard Times

It’s been a tough year.  Our family is limping toward the finish line of 2018, just trying to push through.

As I look around at some of the people in my life, I know we’re not alone.  There’s been a lot of life limping going on in other houses, too.

It’s easy for me to be a CD player on negative repeat in my mind.  To gloss over the happy little moments because they’re overshadowed by what seem like big hurts and problems.

As we prepare for Christmas, it’s time to hit the pause button.  And I have an idea for me.  And for you.  I have an idea on how to be some light for someone else and bring a little perspective.  Nothing jump starts the Christmas spirit more than helping somone.

David and I figured out that we’ve spent 19 days in the hospital this year.  That’s sort of sad, but our stories are still pretty upbeat.  Mateo is doing well and completely seizure free. 

And Cee loves going to the hospital.

Let me just say that again.  Cee loves going to the hospital for her infusions.

She usually gets poked multiple times to start her IV.  She spends several hours sitting in a hospital room and then has to nap for the rest of the day because it zonks her out.  That doesn’t sound like fun to me.  At all.

Cee loves going to the hospital because Child Life is great.  Child Life is awesome.  They have games.  They have iPads.  They have movies.  They have crafts and paints and prizes.

Besides painting and using the iPad, Usborne sticker books are Cee’s favorite way to pass the time.  (I haven’t met a kid yet who doesn’t oooh and aaah at a good sticker book.)

During our 19 days at the hospital this year, we’ve caught glimpses of other families.  We’ve seen our fear, worry, and pain mirrored in their faces.  It’s not the worst feeling, but it’s top ten for sure, to helplessly watch your child suffer.  The big and small ways people show love and support really make a difference during difficult times.

That’s where my plan started taking shape.  I have a little Usborne shop.  What if I did a book drive, a book party for the Avera Child Life Department?!?!  Could it work?  Maybe.

Avera Child Life serves approximately 2,000 children every year.

I always set conservative goals so I can avoid failure.  My inclination would be to say my goal would be 20 sticker books.  That’s doable.  My circle of close friends and family could probably tackle that.  But I’m going to go out on a limb and say that our goal is 2,000 items, enough for a whole year of patients.

Wouldn’t it be amazing if we could send 2,000 sticker books, board books, puzzles, and more their way this Christmas season?  That’s our goal.  That’s our Christmas wish.  And it’s crazy.  Because I only know like 12 people in real life.

Would you help us?  Would you help us bless those other families at the hospital?

If you’re ready to spread cheer to kids who are in the hospital, head over to my Usborne shop and do some looking. 

When I spoke to Child Life, they said they are especially looking for materials for 3-6 year olds and middle schoolers, but anything would be appreciated, since they serve infants through teens.

(Looking for ideas?  You can’t go wrong with a sticker book.  Check out the Superhero, Dinosaur, or World Costume books.)

Then, when you go to check out, you have a few options.  

1.  Enter your own address for shipping.  (That way you can order books for your own kiddos as well!  Since I set this up as a “party” all sales made will earn free books for the hospital.) 

Any books you’d like to donate, you can drop off at the info desk in the lobby of the hospital (Attn:  Child Life/Leah Schroeder) or get them to us and we’ll bring them up the next time we’re there.  Cuz we go there all the time.

2.  Enter Avera Child Life’s address for shipping.  This is really the easiest, fastest way to send some holiday cheer to kids who end up at the hospital.  

Avera Children’s Hospital
attn: Child Life Dept and Leah Schroeder
1325 S. Cliff Ave
Sioux Falls, SD 57105

That’s it.  Easy peasy.

So go buy a book.  Or five.  (Or have your kids pick out a book in order to give them a chance to practice kindness, compassion, and generosity. )  Know that you’re making a difference for a little person and a family in a big way.  Pretty please say a little prayer for whoever it is that will be receiving it, too.

Whether or not you’re able to spring for a $10 sticker book, would you consider sharing this post on social media?

I’ll post updates on how we’re doing with our goal.  Between now and December 31st, can we get a book for each kid who will walk or be wheeled through the hospital doors?  I don’t know.  That’s up to you.

Thank you for your generosity.  Go look around!