What a difference it makes when healthcare professionals treat sick children and their mothers with love and understanding.
There were several nurses taking turns, of course. But one in particular, Sara Keefer, won over my daughter in such a sweet way, and when she was on duty, I would relax. My daughter adored her and they both had fun with each other all the time.
When Sara was off duty one day, my daughter asked for her. I told her that she would not be in the hospital that day. And my daughter said, "I know that but she will come, Mom. We made a deal. She said if I obeyed you, she would come back today just to say hi." My blood ran cold thinking that Sara had made this promise lightly, perhaps without realizing that my daughter (or any child) would take it seriously. I was already foreseeing my daughter's disappointment. But Sara went to see her even though it was her day off. They had a long conversation, just between them. And I watched from a distance as the two of them laughed together. After the visit, I had to hear, "I told you so, Mom."
My daughter is already well and home. Before leaving the hospital, she gave Sara a long embrace, and my daughter whispered in her ear, "I'll miss you."
What a difference it can make when health care professionals treat a child with love!