pay it forward

yesterday was masey's 4th birthday. he's such a big kid now, and still so brave. all day, he was grouchy. the nurses would talk to him and he wouldn't answer. he refused to cooperate with the physical therapists or anyone else who came in the room. i can't say i blame him, he was mad he was at the hospital for his birthday! he kept insisting that his birthday was tomorrow, because he's convinced he is going home tomorrow.

about 2 in the afternoon, we got a knock. we could tell it wasn't a hospital employee knock; very few of them ever knock and the ones who do tap the door then walk right in. this knock was loud and waited for a reply from us. it was refreshing!

on the other side of the door was the sweet girl two rooms down, G, and her dad. in her hands was an adorable stuffed dog and a bunch of balloons. her dad explained that it was G's birthday a few weeks ago, and she knows how sad it is to have a birthday in the hospital. so, she wanted to stop by with a gift. i could barely hold back the tears when they told us that. it was exactly what masey needed, to know that someone knows what it feels like. we quietly woke him up and hoped that he would be nice, and he did not disappoint! he was so gracious and happy that he had a dog. all night, he kept saying i love doggies. i love my doggie!

it was sweet, and not something she had to do. but it truly made a difference in masey's day. as i explained to him that G knows how sad it is to have your birthday at the hospital, i could see it click in his mind. he got it. i have felt since his second surgery that all of this can really benefit others beyond our family. i thought it would need to be something huge, but after meeting sweet G yesterday, i realize it's the small things that really count.

i hope masey grows up to be as sweet, thoughtful and kind as G, but i am sure he will not disappoint. he's a sweet kid already, and i've decided it is my role to help him always pay it forward.