Back in 2002 me and Elatia were looking to volunteer at a local hospital children’s ward doing manicures and make up on the kids. We were going to do it dressed as Angels. I bought a case to carry my supplies in which I ended up using it for my props in my act.
I thought about doing this several different times. When I went to visit someone at the hospital at Christmas time and I was all dressed up as an elf or Mrs. Clause and they brought kids out to see me. I thought “hmmmm maybe I should dress up and visit sick kids.” But usually anyone who does that can do animal balloons and all I can make is a snake! LOL
Someone had mentioned All Children’s Hospital in St. Pete to me but I thought it was too far! Ha ha joke on me! Not to mention I found it was hard enough to get any interest in the local hospital for having me in.
We went and got our dresses and wings in Miami during Elatia’s 2002 ATP (Angel Therapy Practitioner) class that I was staffing. I had the great idea to dress as an Angel on the final day of class so no one could go home and say they didn’t see any Angels. I heard some students complain that they hadn’t seen any Angels yet. They were totally missing the point of the class. But I still wasn’t going to let them go home empty handed! ;-)
I was greeting people when they got off the elevator in my full Angel regalia. Imagine my surprise when Doreen Virtue and her husband, Steven Farmer all got off the elevator. I think we surprised each other! LOL I didn’t tell them I was going to do it. I was a huge hit! And was asked to be at all the ATP classes after that.
Anyway, my point being, since Andrew has been in the hospital and now that I know so many people at ACH, I thought about trying to volunteer again doing manicures.
Only this time I am going to offer the unsung heros at ACH the manicures, THE PARENTS! No one is there to pamper and GIVE to the parents. While I would NEVER turn down the children, I want to focus on the parents.
Most of the parents are there 24/7 with no break other than sleep at the clown house. People would always say to me “Take care of yourself.” HOW?????? I couldn’t leave and get anything done. I didn’t have the money to get anything done even if I did have the time! When I was awake I was with Andrew. When I left I was sleeping. I was at the hospital 14-18 hrs a day!
The kids can order massages when they want. Andrew had a standing order everyday as well as energy work with Adele. They are cared for very well. But the parents, the ones in the trenches dealing with the child and the dr.s, having to make serious life and death decisions?? There’s nothing for them to help relieve the stress & to take time for themselves without being very far from their child!
I mentioned this to a few people and Denise said she would go with me and give chair massages as well as another massage therapist, Diane Lane. So now I have to contact someone at ACH and see what it will take to get it started. I also have to dig out my nail supplies. They are packed somewhere.
Maybe one of these days I’ll get a real vacation where we can relax and pamper ourselves. Until then I will try and brighten up some over stressed parents.
I feel for the parents that are still there. I know how stressful it is. You are dealing with life and death every freakin day! It is very draining! You have to pay attention to what the nurses are doing because they make mistakes too! You can NOT leave your child alone! You have to be on all the ball ALL of the time! It takes a toll on you believe me!
SO I want to give the parents something to help their stay in the hospital maybe be a little bit easier & help them feel like…..
IT’S ALL GOOD!
Sweetheart, as a mother who understands “camping out” with their child (Taylor) at the hospital for hours on end, little to no sleep in some kind of contraption they call a lounge chair and no one to lean upon while there…supports your idea 100 percent! And…I have to add, where/who do you think this marvelous idea came from? WINK, WINK! Just like you sweetheart, I have sat for many an hour(s) in a hospital room, reading, keeping a watchful eye on my Taylor (and also Ryan when we broke his back) and was exhausted and drained beyond belief. To have someone come and say, how can we care for you, OH MY STARS…now that would have made my day. No I take that back, it would’ve made my whole stay at the hospital somewhat enjoyable.
I am behind you 100% in this “caring mobile nail technician” idea to bring to each Mom (and Dad they got nails too) who so diligently stand guardian and guiding light as their child endures whatever they are enduirng….
I never thought I could be more proud of you sweetheart, but I am…I love you, you know I do. To the moon and back and back again…
Thank you Karen! I love you too soooo much! Absolutely the Dad’s too! I did a lot of men manicures when I worked in a salon. I know doing something this small would make such a HUGE difference in the parents lives!
I know I will get a lot out of it too! I feel like I have to do something to keep my sanity. I’ll get to talk about Andrew and probably with people who knew who he was! That will make my day! I’m sure I will be channeling w/o even knowing I’m doing it! I think I will have a framed pic of him with me to put out.
(((Connie))) that is an absolutely wonderful idea that will be appreciated by many people.
I THINK THAT ROCKS…….!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Great Idea
That is an AWESOME idea!! I’ve had a taste of that too…when my one month old baby was in the hospital with very high fever and infected kidneys. It was not even close to what you have been through, but yes, I’ve had a taste of it. And so I know how much this will be appreciated by the parents there.
You rock Connie!
*Leah!! beat you finally!! Got my sweet revenge!! hyuk hyuk*
Connie – I’d love to help out with this – I can totally do some hand massages and foot massages and nail trims! I’m fairly decent at painting, as long as it’s not French for someone who does their own French (LMAO – you have no idea how intimidated I was…). I wonder if the Clown House would give us a room to use? Then we could have people schedule times, they’d be away from the hospital room, you might not even have to deal with ACH. Just a thought – let me know!
*Swati – yeah, yeah, yeah… LOL*
That’s a great idea Leah! I’m sure they would keep 2 of us busy! I wasn’t planning on doing pedicures so that is great if you wanted to. I do have a very nice foot bath too! I have to get my nail supplies up again which is enough in itself. If parents really wanted pedicures I would do them.
Let’s pull our heads together! I’ll have a dinner here with Denise, maybe on our Billy Connolly night and we can discuss it.
I was still planning on dressing like an Angel. We can do fairies as well. I love costumes and I know the kids will like it too!
Hey! I just saw a gadget on the View called the Pediegg for $10 may have to ck into that one!
Go to Walgreens – they’ve got ’em by the busload!!! So much for “only available on TV”, huh? I’m getting some for Christmas presents for the goils in my family. :)
I think that is a beautiful idea!
Leo
Connie, you are an Angel!