Tag Archives: Friends

My Mac Kids Friends

30 Sep

As I’m beginning to plan Ladybugs 3rd birthday party, I’ve found myself adding her hospital friends to the top of the guest list.

Not only have these kids been a HUGE part of our lives these past few years, their moms have become a very big part of my life. When you spend day after day in a little curtain enclosed space listening to pompous jr. residents, you need a buddy to vent to who knows exactly what you are feeling. These moms have helped me through so much and I don’t know where I’d be without them.

Over these past 3 years, I have learned that other parents of medically fragile/special needs children are far better resources than any other out there. Whether it be for suggestions on the best feeding pumps or emotional support – there is a real camaraderie amongst us.

Ladybug first met her BFF Bean when they were barely 2 months old. They were roommates on 3C in Mac Kids and very quickly became known as the little divas on the floor. It has been so amazing to watch these two grow up. Bean is very proud of the fact that her best friend has glasses and a clamp (feeding tube clamp) just like her.  The first picture is when the girls shared a hospital stay the 2nd time. The second picture is from the 3rd hospital stay together where us moms planned a photo shoot with the two girls to pass time. The last picture is from the girls recent morning out to Build-A-Bear. I have to say it was one of the best mornings out I’ve had in a while. Bean and Ladybug love each other so much and it was wonderful to see them interacting outside of a hospital setting. Bean’s mommy has one of the best sense of humours around, and is truly an inspiration. I love spending time with both of them. The best part for me was after our critters were created, we both brought the girls out to give meds and flush the g-tubes. I say this because it reassured me that I’m never alone in this. These moms are just like me, and I’m grateful to have been given the opportunity to have them in my life.

This is Zacky – he is like Ladybug’s big brother and just like Bean has been a roommate at Mac Kids. During Ladybugs most recent hospital stay Zacky stopped by to visit her. She wasn’t feeling well and was a little fussy, so Zacky began to sing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star to cheer her up. As soon as he started singing Ladybug perked up and began to smile. He is an incredibly special little boy who instantly wins over our hearts. Not to mention he has one heck of an amazing mama who has done a fantastic job raising this little man. The picture is an older one so I’m hoping to get some updates in December.

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Family

23 Jan

In a few short weeks Family Day will be observed in the Canadian provinces of Alberta, Ontario and Saskatchewan. This holiday celebrates the importance of families and family life to people and their communities.

Even though I’m really looking forward to having this day off work next month to spend with my family, it will be a little bitter-sweet.

Yesterday morning one of my dearest friends lost the father of her three beautiful children in a tragic accident.  My heart goes out to that entire family; especially the two little girls and the little boy.

Any loss of a friend or loved one tends to put everything in my life into perspective.  Even more so since I’ve had my daughter.

So many of us go through life in such a zombie like routine that it flies by before we have a chance to realize it. How many can honestly say that we spend as much quality time with our family or close friends as we probably should?

I recently asked a family member if they would like to bring their children over and go tobogganing on the giant hill  behind our house, I was told that between sports and other commitments we would have to call weeks in advance to even see them as they are so busy.

When did we become a society where drive thru on the way to a class or practice becomes a family dinner, or that I need to book weeks ahead so my ladybug can see some of her extended family?

If you ever get the chance and have some free time (I know easier said than done especially when you have kids) there is an older movie from Walt Disney called “The Straight Story”. The Readers Digest version: it’s based on a true story of an elderly man who makes the emotional journey across country to make amends with his estranged brother who has just had a stroke.  It’s not action packed, animated or 3D just a good old fashion heartwarming film.

I do suggest having a box of tissue and a phone close by. Chances are you will cry and I hope it will encourage you to get in touch with a family member or close friend you haven’t spoken to in a while.  Maybe it’s because you’re too busy or perhaps you’ve had a falling out. Harsh words were spoken or nowadays emailed or texts sent. Words are just words and as hurtful as they can be it’s the actions that will always speak louder.  Life is too short and precious to hold grudges, anger, and to always be busy.

No matter what you’ve done for yourself or for humanity, if you can’t look back on having given love and attention to your own family, what have you really accomplished?
— Elbert Hubbard

I’ll be the first to admit that even I’m guilty of becoming to busy or growing apart, if you will, from extended family members/friends. This day and age it’s nearly impossible not to.

The thing I need to remember and I hope encourages you to think about are all those sports/activities, appointments, and meetings in the grand scheme of things, are just trivial. It’s family and close friends that are what’s really important in life.

 

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