Yesterday, I left home at 6:30 a.m. and got back about 10 p.m. I was visiting a little girl in the UNC Medical Center (Chapel Hill) whose family attends our church.
I ended up spending about five hours at the hospital because they had done a PET scan on little Sophie right before I got there, looking for reasons why her red blood count is becoming infusion-dependent. One of the things the PET scan was looking for was cancer and I wanted to be there when the results were given–just in case.
The good news is that they didn’t see cancer; the bad news is they still don’t know what the problem is.
Nine-year old Sophie is a kidney transplant recipient (with her mom as the donor) and she’s had health issues since birth; it’s been a long hard journey for her family and it is always my honor to do what I can to encourage and support them.
When we were in the hospital with Sarah for weeks on end, I remember how much it meant to us to have people drive long distances just to be with us during the tough times. What an honor to be able to return the favor for this sweet girl and her family.
As I finally left the hospital to head home . . .
I couldn’t help but think of what a contrast the hospital view was to the way my day had started.
As I had left the Outer Banks early in the morning, the sun was just coming up and illuminating the mist lying low along the ground. It was all so lovely, I had to pull over and capture a few quick iPhone shots.
I was so thankful for the beauty of the day and even more thankful for the chance to drive these roads, carrying comfort, prayers and Outer Banks hugs to a brave, sweet girl and her mama–many miles down the road.
P.S. I just re-read this post which was one of the featured posts down below. It touched me more this time around then when I first wrote it, especially in light of the journey to the hospital I took yesterday.
I was able to enter into this family’s pain because I had been through similar experiences myself. I am so thankful for purpose found in pain.
What a touching story. Your photos are beautiful and I am struck by the poignancy of your statement about purpose found in pain.
Jenna,
I truly do believe that there is never pain without some sort of purpose. And somehow it makes the pain a little more bearable to know that. Hugs.
What a very thoughtful thing for you to do. My girlfriend is doing chemo right now to fight her breast cancer and the Friday before Christmas I happened to have the day off so I sat with her that day for the 5 hours while she received her chemo. She told me that she felt so blessed to have me there when she knew that I had so many other things to do. (I tend to be a procrastinator when it comes to Christmas shopping). I told her that really I was the one that was blessed to be able to help shoulder some of her worries. It makes a heart smile when to be able to help.
Mel,
I have a friend who also invited me to be a part of her first chemo and I sat with her during it. It truly is an honor to have a small part in bearing the load of people we love. You’re so right about it making our hearts smile. 🙂
That was so thoughtful of you to make the long drive to be with Sophie and her Mom. I am sure they appreciated it very much. Prayers and hope they find out what is causing the problem and for a simple solution.
Photos of the Outer Banks are beautiful, the city, not so much!
Kari,
Yes, I am always thankful to return to the Outer Banks after a foray out into the busyness of the big cities. Although big cities do have beauty of their own, I have always been a small town girl.
I’m a longtime Smithellaneous reader but a never-before-commenter with a Weird Question.
Could you ask Sarah if she would mind if I used one of your blog photos of her to show my hairstylist what I want my next haircut to look like? I am in my twenties and have been searching for YEARS now for an age-appropriate, feminine short cut that will work for my thick, slightly wavy hair. I think Sarah’s cut is totally adorable, and having a picture of a Real Actual Person rather than a celebrity head model or what have you would be very helpful.
Thank you very much!
MAP,
That’s funny you should ask that because at various times in the past, I have also been tempted to show Sarah’s picture to my stylist–at least when Sarah had the slightly longer version of her current style.
What’s even more funny is that Sarah and I go to the same stylist! 🙂
Feel free to show it to whomever you need to and welcome to the comment section of Smithellaneous. Don’t be a stranger! 🙂
Thank you (and thank you Sarah)! Maybe if I feel brave, I will send a photo of how it turns out.
And can I just say how happy it makes my heart that Sarah can be our hair inspiration?! 🙂
MAP,
We would LOVE to see a picture! And yes, I am most happy to be inspired by my daughter. 🙂
What a wonderful way to spend your day. Beauty all around. Prayers for Sophie and her family.
Lesley,
You’re so right when you say beauty all around. Beautiful scenery and beautiful hearts of a mother and daughter, so courageously waging their war against illness.
I can only imagine how much your visit to Sophie and her mom meant to them. Especially since you have gone through Sarah’s cancer journey. You’ve walked in their shoes. Thankful that the PET Scan results were negative for cancer. Hope they are able to find out the cause of her issue.
Pictures are great. We’ve had fog two days here this week. On Wednesday the temperature was below freezing so we actually had freezing fog in some places.
Phyllis
Freezing fog? I’ve never heard of that.
I can imagine it would be beautiful to photograph, though!
When the temp is below freezing and you get fog, since there’s moisture in the fog it can freeze on elevated surfaces like bridges and overpasses. It can create black ice.
Phllyis,
Well, I just learned something!
All of these pictures were beautiful.
Thank you, Abigail.
I love taking photos that have mist in them but it doesn’t come along just every day. So I was happy!
Becky, I am always inspired by your wisdom, compassion and thoughtfulness! Thank you for reminding us all to look beyond ourselves, our routines and all that goes on in our busy lives, to see those in need and to be that friend, encourager and supporter.
I pray that sweet Sophie gets an answer soon.
Your pictures are just beautiful! I love seeing the low-lying fog….it’s so serene, yet just a bit eerie. 🙂
Leeanne,
I’m afraid my default reaction is not always to take time out of my life to reach out to someone; especially when it takes an entire day. But looking back at it, I am so glad I did it; it was worth every minute and every mile.
And getting lovely pictures along the way was just icing on the cake.
Love that you can take your times of sadness andi illness and.come along side others. I enjoy any pictures you post of the Outer Banks. Our favorite family vacation site. Some day we will end up visiting your church by staying an extra day while we are in the OBX.
Catherine,
It truly is a beautiful place, isn’t it? We’d love to see you in a church service sometime!
You are such a blessing whether in words or person. I thank God for bringing the Smith family into our lives. God bless. Love and hugs ❤️?
Ann,
Returning love and hugs right back to you!
re-reading the “Standing on Holy Ground” and Sarah’s prayer is beyond soul touching.
I am praying for sweet Sophie and her mom.
Mrs. Pam,
I loved reading that story again, too. It made me cry.