I hate illness and death. I hate it because I’ve had plenty of experience with it. My once large family (on my mother’s side, the side I was closest to) has dwindled to two remaining family members in a very short amount of time. There was a period in my life where every time the phone rang, a rush of anxiety and worry would come over me. Great-grandparents, grandparents, aunts and cousins have been battling sickness and many lost their battles. It is a constant reminder that life truly is a vapor: here one second and gone the next.
But for me, most of my relatives lived at least 50 years, which isn’t a long time, but much longer than some of the little children who are struggling with serious illnesses live.
There is an amazing quote out there that goes like this: “there are many Americans who are clever and fearless, but the trouble is many are small children fighting an ugly disease.”
I’m not sure who coined the phrase, but I came across it on a child’s Caring Bridge website that I follow.
Had I not started working at Kids Wish Network almost one year ago, this expression would not mean what it does to me today. In one short year, I have seen so many children fighting for the lives they’ve hardly had the chance to live, and it always seems unfair. But I know in my soul that there is a reason for it, no matter how unfair and twisted it may seem.
I won’t mention any names, but there are a few children I have come across who have left a special imprint on my heart. I find myself thinking about them often and wondering what treatments they are undergoing today. I wonder how they are feeling, what they are thinking and if they really understand what is going on. I think about their parents and marvel at how they are able to function knowing their little boy or girl could leave this earth at any second and I say a quiet prayer asking for comfort and strength for the family.
To all those families out there who have a sick child, hang in there. Sometimes you have to face the clouds to see the silver lining.
Elizabeth
Wish Department
Elizabeth, I’m Riddick’s Daddy and I just wanted to say thank you all for what you do. It means the world to our children. It makes us as parents so happy to see our kids enjoying life. Riddick is so excited for his upcoming trip to Disneyland and I can’t express how much gratitude we as a family have for you and everyone there. Thank you so much. With much love and thanks, Rush Andrews.
Hi Rush,
Thank you for your kind words. I (and all of us here) are excited for Riddick as well. I have to tell you, when I saw Riddick’s picture initially, before I knew anything about him, I knew he had William’s Syndrome. I have a friend who has the illness as well. His name is Brian and he is a pretty amazing guy. He was told he would only make it to 3, but just celebrated his 21st birthday! I thought you might like to know that! Hope his wish is awesome!