A time to be thankful for our life gifts

Did you know I’ve been a member of the same church for the last 46 years? At the Palm Sunday service, Mother Karin said something in her sermon that really struck me. She was referring to how angry all of the disciples were when they thought that Jesus was coming in to take control and push out all of those who hadn’t believed.

If you’re familiar with the story, that wasn't what He had in mind. Instead, He was going to “control” by demonstrating compassion and love, not by punishment.

Now, over a lifetime of Palm Sunday sermons I am not sure why this one struck me the way it did but that is the gift of sermons, they hit you when you least expect it.

This made me think of the work we do with our children and families. Our journey with them, whether it is following an injury or a diagnosis, is not about us as practitioners taking control of the situation, but by beginning the steps on the journey to help their child reach their maximum potential.

Frankly, that is the real difference between what we do compared to our acute care colleagues who specialize in surgical and interventional techniques.

The work that is done at our hospital day after day, sometimes year after year, is not easy. It isn’t about the quick hit or short win. It is about taking the time to attempt many techniques and skills to try and assist the child (and the family) in all sorts of ways.

It is about having the courage to walk alongside them, to support them and know that you will be with them for the journey. 

There are times we may have to face unsurmountable odds and sometimes pain, when the only thing we have to hold on to is hope – hope that with love, compassion, and in our case skilled clinicians, we will help that child reach their full potential. To know that you are never alone, and are truly loved.

In my case, my mistakes have been many and the only comfort that I have is to know that every day I start with my heart filled with positivity and try to do my best. I start my day with the comfort that I will be forgiven if I approach every experience as the servant and not with the goal of being in charge.

We are all on a journey—with the children and families we care for, as well as with each other.

This holiday it is my hope that you see the gifts you have and share them; knowing there will be more given to those who offer their gifts to others.