Giving Back!

So the week before Spring Break started, I was exiting my baby brain development class when my classmates were talking about their grandfathers and how they were sick; one had bone cancer, the other had a stroke. They just so happened to mention their grandfathers were 86 years old, which is how old my grandpa would turn this year if he was still alive. He passed away in 2001 of a brain aneurysm that had ruptured.

My friend was telling us that the nurses practically had to beat her grandfather to wake up, because he was having a dream and talking to himself. He told her the dream was about him sitting in a big comfy chair and the angels asked him if he wanted to stay there forever. That's when the nurses woke him up.

My friend Dana always tells us stories about how her mother used to work in children's hospice. For those of you that don't know, that's where the kids go when they are terminally ill.

She told us this story of a little girl who kept making the movements that you would make if you were playing catch. So her mother asked her what she was doing. And she responded "I'm playing catch with the angels."

Later on that day, the little girl was having a conversation with someone, when her mother asked her who she was talking to. She responded "Jesus told me it was okay for me to go. Can I go now, mommy?" And her mother told her it was okay.

She passed away later that afternoon.

We all started crying together and gave each other big hugs. It was a bonding moment. But it also inspired me beyond belief. As I walked to my other class, I couldn't help but to be sad. So, I went to the computer lab, looked up a children's hospital, and printed out a volunteer application.

I applied for a volunteer position at Comer Children's Hospital, which is a part of the University of Chicago.

I had the interview on Friday, April 16th. Needless to say, I got it. I'll be working in the Child Life Play Room with children ages 0- 17. I'm so excited and glad that I can give back to the community and help those who need it most.

My family and experiences have blessed me with the capabilities to help. The resources. The personality. The heart.

Do what you can. It's never too late.