Whenever I go to The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) to visit with the staff and doctors I have befriended over the years, I see many ill children. I was one of those children.
As I walk through the hospital, I see families with children who are being treated for numerous things that CHOP offers. Sometimes, at a glance, I see the pain, suffering, and sadness that the families are going through and my heart breaks for them all. I know first hand what they are thinking, what they must be feeling, and what they are headed for in their long journey to recovery.
And then I remember the reason that I am there.
I wrote my book for each and every one of them. I wish I could just stand in the hallway, or on the elevator and hand everyone a copy of my book. I want to scream out, “I know what you are going through!” so very loud and clear. My hope is that I will have a chance to reach them, if not one at a time, or somehow my story will be shared with them or they may have the chance to hear me speak and get to meet me at one of my appearances.
So as I walk down the halls of CHOP, I just take it all in and make mental notes of what I want to say to them if I get a chance to meet them. I understand. I was there, and I was one of them.
