After over five months, B is being discharged. We are just elated, but with such wonderful news comes the reality that we are now leaving the only "home" B has known. This moment is bittersweet for our family. Here at Children's, B's family has extended far beyond what I could have ever dreamed. We have met so many wonderful people who expressed genuine concern for B and her wellbeing. It is humbling to watch those who knew nothing about B welcome her into their arms as if she was their only child. My beliefs and outlook on life have reached a new high because of the spirit, grace, and love I have experienced during my child's stay at Children's. I can't thank everyone enough.
Ms. Margaret was one of the first nurses B had when she arrived at Children's. While I had one child previously and I have three siblings, my mother nor I had experienced having a baby so sick that she was unable to come home shortly after birth. This was new to us. Upon our arrival at Children's, I had heard of so many devastating conditions that B might have that my heart and spirit were just broken. Apparently, Ms. Margaret recognized this within a few moments of our introduction, and she quickly breathed life into my dismal glaze by telling me that "B is sick but she is not broken." Ms. Margaret's energetic demeanor and expressive belief that Children's has great doctors, but it is God who is driving this vessel, shook me into what appeared to be a new life. (I had mentioned my Christian faith previously). She told me that B was a fighter and I must be a fighter too. As time progressed, Ms. Margaret showed me what she meant by "sick but not broken." With all of the tubes and wires running from high tech machines to B, I was reluctant to even hold B, and I certainly was not ready to bathe, dress and cuddle her. I was afraid I would hurt her. Ms. Margaret quickly but politely nudged my mom and me into doing the things for B that we did for our other children when they were newborns. I learned that B's illness was not painful to the touch and that it was my touch, more than anyone else's, that B needed at this time. Everything that Ms. Margaret did with B, she took the time to explain to me. I soon became comfortable handling B, cuddling her and giving her the proper love and affection that only I could give. But, this wisdom and motherly-wit were not all Ms. Margaret gave. Her professional intuitiveness oozes with such ease that it becomes contagious. While I could share several instances of this, I will only mention one at this time.
B had a few issues with her g-tube. At one point, it was expected that B may need a different size g-tube but since time was of the essence during her first replacement and B's expected size was unavailable, the smaller size was once again inserted. I was told that once a tube is inserted, it could not be adjusted for 8 weeks in order to provide time for healing. Later that evening, upon Ms. Margaret arriving on her shift, I explained to her what had occurred during the day and my concern about the smaller tube. Ms. Margaret listened attentively and eventually left the room. She returned and told me that the size B may need is not generally stocked on the floor. She said that we are going to pray that the one recently inserted worked but just in case it didn't, she was going to make sure the correct size was in the room if or when needed again. Children's processing is quick because the next day, two boxes were delivered to the room and Ms. Margaret told other nurses where they were stored. She also explained to me that she would do a chargeback if the tubes were not needed. At this point, I was not concerned with the chargeback, I was just glad that the right size would be available if needed. As the evening progressed, B's g-tube deflated and came out again. This was frightening because it had happened two consecutive days with two different g-tubes. But, God had guided Ms. Margaret to think beyond just taking care of B at the moment. She looked ahead to accommodate what might happen and thanks to her, the proper equipment was available for the surgeon and B at the right time. To date, her g-tube has worked with no problems. The relief B has displayed since this change has been amazing. Some may say that this was Ms. Margaret's job, but I had not been privy to such forethought until this incident. It is this type of tenacity in the workplace that, in my opinion, distinguishes good employees from excellent employees. This behavior, along with Ms. Margaret's, motherly-wit and God-fearing approach lit a path of resilience in me that rekindled that beloved bible verse, "I Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Strengthens Me." Philippians 4:13.