A day in Savannah

Yesterday morning we headed out the door about 8:15 am to make the hour and a half drive to Savannah to deliver toys to the Dwaine and Cynthia Willett Children's Hospital. Each year since Silas passed away in 2013, we have collected toys from our community and delivered them to the hospital in memory Silas' birthday (June 4th). Since he is not here, it seemed good to get toys anyway and take them to kids who can use them.

Silas spent many days and nights in the hospital and the toys really helped. There is a play room where kids can play with a toy kitchen, video games, or any number of other big toys. There is a treasure chest of small toys that can help motivate a child to take their medicine, sit still through a dressing change, or endure some other unpleasant part of their treatment. Some toys are used for therapy, some for diversion. Then there are special toys for birthdays and other holidays that have to be spent in the hospital. DVDs are especially helpful when a child isn't well enough to get out of bed, or is required to sit still during a procedure. One of Silas' favorite things was a tricycle, he would ride up and down the halls as fast as he could while I followed behind, chasing him with his IV pole. A simple toy, can make such a difference. It can bring a little comfort to a frightening situation, and even sometimes a smile when there are few to be had.

Before we went to the hospital we stopped off at a grocery store for some mini muffins and cupcakes for the nursing and child life staff. Though some have moved on, we still have many friends among them! Pediatric Oncology is not an easy place to work.

We finally arrived at the hospital, pulled up to the curb and unloaded the van. We had friends from Savannah meeting us there with even more toys they had collected! A representative from CURE Childhood Cancer was there to receive a check that the Sons of Smoke had given us to pass on to them. CURE was thrilled with such a generous donation! (CURE supports Childhood Cancer research, families of children currently going through treatment, and families of children who have passed away, they are an excellent organization!). After unloading, Archie parked the van and we carried the toys inside, it was like a parade! Some went to the Pediatric Oncology/Hematology clinic, and some went upstairs to the Pediatric Specialty Unit (PSU), where kids receive inpatient care. We visited with friends in the clinic, and took some pictures, and then headed upstairs to take some toys up there and see more of our friends.

While we were upstairs in the PSU, I saw a little boy, probably around 4 years old, riding a toy down the hallway, it reminded me of many times that Silas did the same. While I love seeing the staff who became like family during the months of Silas' treatment, there are other emotions that I struggle with every time we go. Being in that hospital is still very difficult. I want to give hugs and catch up, but I also want to run out crying at the same time. It hurts to be there. It hurts to not have Silas with us.

We left the hospital and headed to get some lunch and go to the beach, but the thunderstorms started and we decided to do a little shopping first. After a couple of hours it was still raining some but we decided to go to the beach anyway, just to see the ocean. When we arrived there was a break in the clouds and we enjoyed the sand and sea for about an hour and a half. I love the ocean! Archie and I only got our feet wet, but Michael, Gideon, and Jason spent nearly the whole time in the water.

We drove back home, and went to bed very tired. It was a good day.

This was the 6th toy drive we have done. We are so grateful to everyone who made it happen, we could not do it alone! I don't know if we will continue to do it every year, but I am glad we have done it these past 6 years. I hope that as the Child Life volunteers go through the boxes of toys that they are saying things like "We needed one of these!", "This is perfect!", and "I know exactly who needs this toy!".

Once again, thank you all so much for making this happen! Thank you for remembering Silas.