I feel comfortable at Vanderbilt. I know the set up, the rules, the secrets that only the families who "live there" figure out. I know all the good food places that deliver to the hospital. I know how to silence the IV machines. But it was also strange because we didn't know any of the other kids there (until Matthew checked in yesterday... but we didn't get to see him).
Last night, Kennedy and I walked the hallway... lap after lap after lap... she said hi to anyone who passed us and I followed along rolling the IV pole behind us. I've made hundreds of laps on the sixth floor in the last year or so. She went on a wagon ride. As I pulled her, it reminded me of those first weeks after diagnosis, before Kennedy could walk. She spent countless hours in those wagons.
Some of our favorite nurses came over from A side to visit us. Kennedy handed them each a baby and they played and they laughed (I think the nurses laughed harder than Kennedy did at some points) and they talked about how big Kennedy has gotten and how well she's talking. She gave them all hugs and kisses. Does she remember them? I think she does. You could tell she remembered the ins and outs of the hallways... and she remembered where they kept the ice cream. Nothing is more important than that! She also melded right back in to "hospital time". She was up laughing and playing until 1:30 this morning... and they had to wake her for vitals at 11:00. I, on the other hand, was not ready for hospital time and was exhausted today! haha
While I hate that Kennedy was so sick, and I hate that she had to be in the hospital and get stuck over and over, I am so thankful for our Vanderbilt family and the familiar, comfortable surroundings that make Kenn happy. Vandy will always be a huge part of our lives I think... and while it's not perfect, I think it will always feel a little like home.
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Okay, why'd you have to make me cry like that?! So many memories. And earlier, don't even mention that R word, send chills down my spine. Praying always for you!
{{{{{{HUGS RENEE}}}}}}}
}}}}}}HUGS KENNEDY}}}}}}}
Prayers for you always.
Jennifer and Brook
I hope she's feeling better soon ! I was ao sad to hear that she was not feeling good!
Hugs and kisses
Glad you got to get an "outsider's" perspective this time... even though Kennedy was sick. Praying for you all!
Heather
Kennedy is such a Blessing, she is a brave and beautiful angel. Thank you Kennedy for always teaching us and always inspiring us. Thank you Renee
for sharing your treasure. You will always be in my prayers. God Bless ~
Kleidy
It's nice that you can find some comfort in such a difficult time. My dad has been and out of hospitals so much in the last couple of years I can walk into any hospital and quickly learn the ins and outs. This has made the few hospital stays we've had with Peanut much easier. Although, I hate that I've had to be that familiar with hospitals and ICU's
It is good that you had the familiarity of Vandy. And even though it is hard to say, the staff at our "home" hospitals are family.
I feel exactly the same way about Riley Hospital! At one point I even called it Hotel Riley. I am blessed that Kelly hasn't had an over night stay in a couple of years now But we still have numerous doctor visits and we know exactly where to go and what to do.
Glad things are better for Kennedy and you!
Don't you love how God comforts us with little things like that? It's nice to know that even in the stressful times we can find peace in things like knowing where the ice cream is! I'll keep praying that things continue to go (relatively) smooth!
my kyler has been at childrens so much he loves it (heart surgery and kidney transplant ect that goes with it) but we had to change last year to adult docs and hospitals. ITS SO SAD and SO NOT the same, you really get very special RN's and Docs in Ped areas.
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