I wanted to write and acknowledge the special families that I have come to know and have yet to meet who are in the medical world. Your precious little babies have come into this world in a way that you could have never been prepared for. The hospital becomes your second home and the staff become your second family.  You learn to sleep on pull out beds or recliner chairs; not out of comfort but the need to be close to your baby every minute.  You live with the anxiety that anything could change at any moment.  You lay there all night hoping and wishing to get some consecutive hours of sleep.  Only to start somewhat fresh for the next day and to do it all over again.  

You become a full time nurse / care provider / emotional and physical support person.  You spend your days navigating the health care system without any or very little medical knowledge or training. A system, that most often than not, is overwhelmed and complicated in itself.  You have become parents but you also have become a full time advocate.  Putting your child’s medical needs above and before everything else.  Looking for programs and funding that can help your child live a fulfilled life in the community.   

But yet,  I watch you raise your precious children with passion and purpose. Your resilience is something that I admire and that I aspire to recreate in my own life and in the work that I do as a Social Worker.  You and your families are the reason I go to work every day.  You have shared your stories with me and trusted me to walk alongside you in your journey.  I am honored.  Thank you!   

If you know or have someone in your life that is dealing with a health crisis / complexity -please call them. Please text and stop by or drop off a care package. This can include: gift cards (house cleaners or grocery stores), hospital parking passes, Hot meals, fresh fruit, offer to run an errand, or provide childcare . Ask questions and be transparent. The smallest acts of kindness and generosity will never be forgotten. These acts build connection in our community. Let’s build a community where people feel safe, honoured, and valued. 

Written by Nicole Wright, Registered Social Worker with Wildflowers