Day 297 – For the Kids

For my intention today, I took a donation of fun children’s hats to the Providence Hasbro Children’s Hospital. Tammy, Kim (and her grand-daughter Justice), my mom, me and Vinny and even the boys got in on the donation. My vision was to deliver a bunch of fun hats to the children suffering from Cancer at the hospital. We ended up with hats for boys and girls, of all shapes and sizes and even quite a few fun Disney and animal themed hats. Some of the hats even came with matching mittens to make it all the more fun!

I contacted the hospital and was able to connect with a really lovely lady by the name of Karen who agreed to meet with me this morning to accept our gifts. When Vinny and I arrived, we immediately noticed what a beautiful hospital this was. However, the reality of it all was so surreal. I sat and spoke with Karen for a bit, giving her the background on my blog and listening to some information she had for me. She stated that there was a child who passed away from cancer that created a lovely program before she passed to help the children and their parents celebrate Christmas. Right there in the hospital, they get to browse amongst the gifts donated and/or purchased by the hospital and their parents get to wrap them and/or the children get to choose and more. The children unable to leave their room get things brought to them to pick out and prepare for Christmas. She thought the hats would make excellent gifts for that upcoming event. I told her that we just wanted to do something nice for the kids and however she saw fit to disperse them was up to her good judgement. It was a lovely conversation and I was appreciative to be received so kindly.

As Vinny and I were leaving, we passed a couple who we thought must be a patient’s mom and dad. The only way I can describe it is that they appeared to have the weight of the world on their shoulders. The looks on their face paired with the brisk, focused walk as they came through the rotating door just hit me so hard. To really think about the reality of having a terminal or severely sick child just makes me so sad. I hope somehow, in any way that this small gesture will bring even a moment’s happiness to the struggle they face. I wish there was so much more I could do. The girls and I were talking and hopefully we will be able to make another donation before Christmas….I’m thinking silly slippers!!

I am humbled by this experience. I am grateful for the opportunity to have given to the children. I am happy that Kim’s grand-daughter (only 6 years old) has been given the opportunity to learn about the struggle of other children her age and give to them with a willing and happy heart. I am proud of the fact that my friends and family were able to participate and I look forward to doing this again as soon as possible. #HGAL #HeatherwouldbeSOproud