A baby to love!
Today we woke up early and took a taxi to the hospital. We had the best taxi driver ever. As we drove through town, we caused other motorists to once again notice us. Today the reason they were looking at us was because the driver turned the radio way up which caused 4 clowns to rock out in the taxi. We even convinced him to put on a big red nose to drive us.
People would stop and stare, roll down their windows, and ask questions. We always let them know that we were on our way to see kids. They were always appreciative once we told them and many would bow their heads to us and say “Gracias”. When someone really got into our clowning, Duffy would throw a nose into the car and they would smile. One time he even missed the window and the driver stopped his car to grab it with excitement.
We arrived at the hosptial around 8am, parked, and waited in a line to go to the 7th floor. Because this children’s hospital is free for needy families, the halls are CROWDED and it took us about 15 min just for an elevator. We went up with the surgeons and right away saw kids being wheeled in and out of surgery. The floor was extremely busy. We quickly left as we were unable to visit many children on that floor because of the sterile conditions. Instead we went down to the 3rd floor and made our way from bed to bed.
I was distributing stuffed animals to the children as well as trying my best to get them to feel better with a smile. Many of the children were connected to different tubes. The children were in good spirits but when we came to visit many started to glow. Many of the kids looked very malnourished which made me sad. A couple of times I had to hold back tears when I saw a child who looked like they were in intense pain. Instead I just went over and held a hand or rubbed the head of a baby to help ease the pain. I would’ve traded places in a second to release them from the pain they were experiencing.
I also fell in love with one little baby boy, Juan Gabrielle. He was the cutest little baby on the floor just laying in his crib. I looked at him for a little while, rubbed his head, and he began to smile at me. Moments later he even giggled. I asked the nurse if I could hold him and she said yes.
I picked him up and cuddled him for the longest time. The nurse came over a few moments later and said to me “No home…born but no home”. After hearing that I cuddled him more. All I could think about was how much pain all the other children might be in but his pain was different. You see, all the other children had at least one loving parent at their bedside. This little tiny baby might not have anything wrong with him physically but he has no one to love him.
I cuddled him even more and refused to put him back until I absolutely had to. I set him down in his bed and he began to cry. It was extremely hard to walk away from a crying baby who is currently living alone in this world.
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11 Responses to A baby to love!
Sometimes we don’t realize how truly blessed we are, and how much we have, until we become aware of situations like this. Thank you for creating this realization. You have so very much love to give.
Oh my goodness. Bring him home!
We can tell you are getting attached to the little ones. Just keep hugging them and telling them to get better. You are sharing your love by doing that. We admire your spirit and know that each day you are there has made the children feel better. Love mom and dad!
Penpal is shining among us other clowns.
She is a natural at this..holding little ones, ballooning, playing with other kids, joking with hospital staff.
She has a short list now of 15 little ones she wants to bring home.
Put up the 30 person pup tent, Mom and Dad Witczak,
She’s bringing home a full house! (and you thought you were out of the kid buzz. Ha!)
What a touching story, Julie! Your love for that little boy will make a lasting impression on him.
Love reading your posts every day Julie! I remember when your twin cousins were born and you wanted to bring them home in your suitcase! Know that you are doing wonderful deeds just by holding the kids and sharing your love! I can’t wait to hear all about it when you return to Chicago.
Love you loving all the little ones!
Aunt Kathy
@ Duffy… We just finished cleaning out a house that her grandma lived in for about 52 years. Our house is full of that stuff. No room for the 30 person pup tent.
This is my favorite post yet! It’s so touching to see how much you care for and empathize with these kids. They are incredibly lucky to have you.
Thanks Benjy…that means a lot. You would be so great at this work. Ive thought about you several times. Kids would appreciate your sense of humor sooooo much.
Looks to me like Penpal and Duffy are doing some great work! Here’s to hoping they are working on each other as well! Go Caringclowns!
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