Serendipitous Girl

There is a reason we cannot see our own future. If we had known the path this day would lead us down, there is no way we could remain calm. As we walk across the bridge, which connects the parking garage with the hospital, it is obvious the building we are entering is its own little universe. Thankfully, we have only been here once prior, but that was many years ago. We were visitors then, today our purpose is quite different. The exterior stained-glass windows are beautiful, artistic even. Their panes filter the sun entering the building, casting a warm glow. I observe beautiful children, bravely smiling. They are surrounded by nurses and parents helping them walk, while numerous tubes and IVs are attached to their frail bodies. The sound of children laughing, merely being children, fills a long corridor that ends with an arcade. Walking to our destination, I observe parents in the family suite, talking with doctors fresh out of surgery. It does not take much observation to notice the

Perseverance is not merely a word used to define an action, it  is a state of mind, a form of being.  Roughly ten days ago Jayde attended a concert with her brother, Brady, and her boyfriend, Brett. We purchased the tickets in November; they were $13. We were not too concerned if she was unable to attend. Yet to Jayde, this concert was everything. She had been messaging with the band’s photographer. He had placed her on the guest list and was giving her a press pass to take photos. Her excitement was palpable. So was her stress, the week leading up to the concert. She was worried her POTS would make it impossible for her to attend the show…her fears were not unfounded. We dropped the trio at the venue’s door, then proceeded to dinner and a movie close by. A nice respite, even if it was short. Brady was a protective big brother, texting me throughout the evening, keeping me abreast of Jayde’s wellbeing. My biggest fear was having to retrieve the kids early and the disappoi