Find Hope During Hospital Stays
During my son’s most recent hospital stay, I found myself at a point searching the internet and looking for information about his blood test results. Thankfully I did find the information and was hopeful about his recovery. At this point, I noticed it wasn’t a ton of information offered for families who experience frequent hospital stays.
With this in mind, I asked myself what words of encouragement that I would’ve wanted to hear. What words do I think would’ve helped me stop being frustrated and started looking on the bright side? Most of the time I’m hopeful and sure that things will be alright. However, this hospital stay was a bit different for me since it was unexpected.
Currently, he’s better and back at home. But for some families especially with the lengthened flu season that’s not the case.
However, having a child or loved one stay at the hospital for any amount of time is a challenge. Also, it’s even more difficult if you’re a parent or caregiver of a child with complex care needs.
Words Of Hope
As a result, this article is to offer encouragement and for mom’s or families who find themselves searching for words of hope during those trying moments. I created an acronym to help you remember that hope is always a reach away. Whether you’re reaching up, in or reaching out, a reason for faith is available.
Acronym Of Hope: REACH
RELY
Rely on God’s strength which we have in us through Christ. When you find yourself feeling tired and worn out from the travel of going back and forth, or from an extended stay at the hospital rely on God’s strength to get you through it.
EXPRESS
Express yourself! Don’t be afraid to let others know your concerns about the situation, especially your child’s healthcare team. Also, ask questions and find out as much as possible about your child’s recovery plan.
ANTICIPATE
Anticipate good results! Have faith that it’s going to get better. I certainly understand that having faith during hard times is difficult especially while waiting for your child to come back from surgery or waiting for results from medical procedures. However, it’s a good idea if possible during this time to reflect on those better days when your child was healthy and feeling better.
COURAGE
Have courage! Tell yourself you’re the right parent for the job. It’s the truth because you’re living your life. You’re the parent for your child, and regardless if you’re a new parent or a seasoned parent, you are a parent.
HAVE FAITH
Again, have faith. Believe for yourself and your child that a better moment is just up ahead. During these difficult times, we have to look for those opportunities to smile purposely. Smile on purpose because you believe better is ahead of you.
Summary
In short, from experience, as a mom to a child with complex care needs, I understand what is it to go through the stressful times of extended hospital stays. So I offer these words of encouragement to help you remember to have hope.
Whether you’re reaching up, reaching in or reaching out, REACH. Rely on God’s strength which we have in us through Christ. Express yourself, express your concerns about the specific situation. Anticipate good results, look forward to the days ahead when your child will get back to their routine. Have courage, and know you’re capable of handling the task set before you. Lastly, we have faith; having faith is how we show our others that we have hope.
SMILE ON PURPOSE
