Something that matters

I was gently reminded yesterday that it has been a little while since I have blogged....and by gently I mean a Facebook post that read "Write again." 

I love New Year's. Not necessarily the staying-up-late celebration part- let's face it, I would really rather be in bed much earlier than midnight- but what it represents. It is a clean slate, a time of reflection, a fresh perspective.

I love to read back over my journaling from the past year; to be reminded of where I have been, the lessons I have learned/am learning, what plans have come full circle, and what plans did not come to be, every time for my good. Looking at resolutions from the last year and seeing which were accomplished, which ones I can put on the list again this year, and often seeing how different my goals for this coming year are.

Call me sentimental and idealistic. I was really excited to come up with resolutions for this year. I found it much harder than before, because I have no idea what comes after June. As opposed to last year when I knew exactly what I was doing for the year...."get a dog" worked out really well :)

The new year in the hospital has been full of both great moments and hard moments- but mostly good!

New babies to love on.
                                               

Old friends, back for second surgeries, looking great!

New patients we have the opportunity to help- as frustrating as their road to healing can be. Read Angelique's story here on Deb's blog.
                                                 
                                            

And perhaps my favorite moment of 2014: seeing Rovel's wounds heal enough that he could go home.

The night he got back from surgery, he hopped off the stretcher and walked himself to his bed. Not without stopping to show us that he could turn his head every direction, as his shoulder-to-face flap had been removed.

That evening, he also insisted that he needed a haircut. His head had been wrapped in daily dressings for weeks and this was necessary. The special thing about this place is I can call my friend Jasmine, the hairdresser, and she comes down to the ward with clippers for a haircutting party, not minding that it is 8pm on her night off.

To see him smile at his going away party when multiple people told stories of how he hid around corners and jumped out to scare them. To watch his eyes light up when he realized the balloons in the bag I had were full of water. To hear him cackle and declare Junior and himself "Champions!" when they escaped completely dry. (Grace and I on the other hand were pretty soaked). 

 

 

To gather on the dock as he and his grandmother give hugs to all who had come to see him off. This is why we are here. These are the moments I long to never forget.

Outside of work, this year has been full of lessons in grace and loving people, as we continue to navigate friendships and life 24/7 community.

"Renewed hope for the future" a friend called it. This is where my excitement for the new year is rooted. Deep down inside, I know it will be good. For each of us is right where we need to be to do something that matters.



"I Was Here" - Lady Antebellum