| April 22, 2005 Avalon's birthday in the hospital |
| Much to Mommy's dismay...Avalon turned 2, sitting in an isolation room in Children's ER. The poor resident had no idea what to do with me when she merely asked how old Avalon was...and I started sobbing. I was even more depressed by the time we were ready to go to our room. Avalon had already been held down, accessed, and scared...and her birthday was only 2 hours old. I decided to tell anyone who would listen that it was Avalon's birthday. I wanted her to get some kind of karmic credit for being tormented on her big day...I'm grateful I did. The emergency room team that came to move us to J-5, made a huge fuss over Avalon. They started singing "Happy Birthday"(loudly) while we were leaving ER, and continued all the way up to her room. They tracked down her Heme-Onc nurse, and made sure she knew it was Avalon's birthday too. As a final kindness, they returned a few minutes later...with giant grins, the enormous teddy bear and butterfly balloons, and a yellow chick basket filled with coloring books and bubbles. Avalon was thrilled! A few minutes later, the true measure of their kindness presented itself. As I called Nick to give him our room number, I realized that Avalon was laying in bed, singing "Happy Birthday" to herself. Avalon found a new song, and Mommy found a gift she couldn't have imagined. Sometimes, angels really do wear scrubs.... |
| More than most floors...Heme-Onc really is one giant family. Each of us have been thrown into this nightmare, and we all realize the balancing act that we have in common. Strangers hug each other with more meaning and love than some blood families, and a child's smile as you pass them in the hall, can make your heart sing as if you'd known them all their life. This visit illustrated that as clearly as ever. The giant Pooh balloon was part of Avalon's birthday gifts from a fellow patient (and dear friend), Abbey. Abbey is our tea party friend from a few emails ago. The Strawberry shortcake balloon is from another patient's family. Although that family knew Abbey as well, we had never met them. Strawberry came to live with us as a special birthday surprise, because they hated the fact that anyone would have to be there for their birthday. We had never met, but they loved Avalon enough to reach out...just because. And sometimes, angels really are just moms... |
| Aunt Nettie/Uncle Darby balloons. |
| Rozenbojm family balloons |
| Grammo and Pappo balloons |
| With all of these balloons...Avalon's bed looked a tad bit like a science fair project. We wondered if she might just float away! Several of the stuffies along the side of the bed were also birthday gifts. Some were from friends and family, but some super special ones were from staff members. I was absolutely determined the room would be bright and cheerful. I brought along our own blanket and sheets to add some much-needed color. I have a secret though...the sheet is a "fake". It only covers the top part of the bed...Avalon's diaper leaks nearly every night because of the IV fluids...and I didn't want to have to wash my sheets! |
| The tiny pink bundle in the middle of the bed (next to Cookie) is actually a snoozing Avalon. This is looking from the foot of the bed towards the head of the bed. |
| View from the side of the bed...looking at the "front door" of the room. Next to the door is the sink, next to the sink are the cabinets that house laundry, the room's charting computer, and storage for us. |
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Our Journey:
Avalon's Army of Angels
| End of the bed, better stuffie picture. |