ETB 57: When your child is hospitalized, what means of comfort do you find? As a mother who's been down this road with my son Josiah, I will share how the power of pen helped me through those dark times. Transcribing our story and drawing strength from those lines, I found a way to navigate the painfully frequent hospitalizations. The silver lining we discovered in this storm cloud was the round-the-clock care provided by CNAs. Their gift of caregiving brought the serenity our family needed, and they turned into our lifeline.
This episode isn't just about our journey, but also celebrates the CNAs who make a significant difference. Being a parent to a child with medical needs is exhausting, both physically and emotionally. I'll take you through a personal anecdote, where the support of a CNA allowed me a much-needed respite. It's a story that could resonate with many of you out there. Remember, support and help are always available. So, join me and let's walk this path together, find inspiration, share a few laughs, shed a few tears, and above all, help each other through.
Hey there, I'm Sandy Deppish, and this is the Embrace the Blessing podcast. Each week, I talk with a parent who has a child with a disability. They share their biggest challenge, their greatest joy and their hopes and dreams for the future. You'll learn about resources available to you and discover helpful hints and tips. If you want to be inspired and encouraged, stick around. Let's walk the road less traveled together. Hey guys, welcome back to another episode.
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This one is going to be a blog post that was written back. In goodness, how long ago did I write this one? I don't know. You know I absolutely love blogging. I haven't done it in such a long time. I've been using podcast episodes on my blog for the last year and a half and I really need to get back to writing because it is such a cathartic experience.
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I think I've said this before, but if you are in it in the trenches, dealing with a child with intense support needs even minimal support needs that requires more of you than you're able to give some days and you are overwhelmed and exhausted. I highly encourage you to write down what's happening. Write down the events that are happening in your life, write down how you're feeling, whatever it takes to get that out of you and somewhere else. It's awesome to be able to look back on that years later. It's encouraging to know that you will get through those times, and it just really made a difference for me. Not that you have to start your own blog. If you'd like to go for it, I'd be happy to show you how to do it. It's really easy. But just get it out on paper so that you can let go of it and be the best you can possibly be in the moment. This was written back in September 25 of 2015. It's called we Never Knew.
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Josiah has been hospitalized a gazillion times in his 13 years of life. Many of those hospitalizations took place between the ages of zero and three, with quite a few more sprinkled in as he grew. Those were the days when I kept a bag packed in my closet at all times, just in case we would need to get him to the ER and hurry. Those were the days when Josiah didn't push me out of the room and slam the door in my face. Maybe he wanted to, who knows.
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Having Josiah in the hospital is never easy. If you have a child who has spent any time in one, you know exactly what I mean it totally disrupts everything. Your life is put on hold for a while and you adopt a new normal. When Josiah was quite young, all five kids were living at home with us. We were homeschoolers. We spent practically every waking minute of every day together. When Josiah had to be hospitalized, I was always with him. It's hard to be a homeschooling family when the teacher is absent a lot. We didn't homeschool for long after Josiah was born.
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Josiah's siblings have spent many hours in emergency waiting rooms. They've spent many hours in Josiah's hospital rooms. They've witnessed firsthand the changes that occur when a sibling is sick and mom or dad has to be away from home for long stretches of time. It's not easy. It's character building, but not easy. Josiah was in the hospital five months ago. He was there for a week. Rick and I took turns staying with him, so he was never alone. Josiah can't really ever be alone because he needs help with just about everything. Our two kids still living at home are now so familiar with the disruption of life when Josiah is in the hospital. I really don't think it even faze them. It's just what has to be done. Rick and I are happy to be able to be there for Josiah, just as we would for any of our children.
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Josiah has been hospitalized so many times. We should have just built a wing onto one of those hospitals and all moved in when he was born. It would have made things so much easier. Our family would have remained intact without the lengthy separations we have endured over the years. Imagine our surprise then when we learned just a few weeks ago hospitals have sitters who will stay with the child so mom and dad can have a break. We never knew.
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When a nurse casually mentioned it to us, I didn't believe her. She said she could arrange for someone to be with him for a few hours. I figured it was a run home, grab a nap, take a quick shower and get right back here kind of offer. But she said someone could stay with Josiah from 7pm to 7am. Was she kidding? I could sleep in my own bed all through the night with no interruptions. I jumped all over that, Thinking it was a one-time proposition. I was elated. I kept thanking her and telling her what a blessing this was and how much it would mean to us. Don't quote me on this, because maybe I have it wrong and maybe it's just for certain kids who require more than others.
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But next came the best part. She said a sitter could be arranged for Josiah 24-7. I nearly passed out. They were being offered the chance to leave our precious son in the hands of loving professionals who would care for him and help him so we could rest. Praise God, without this incredible gift I don't think I'd be sane today. These CNAs certified nursing assistants are among some of the sweetest, most compassionate people I've ever met. Keep in mind, the first few were staying with Josiah when he was still bouncing off the walls, doing flips on his bed and trying to rip the TV off the wall. These people are amazing. Whatever they get paid, it should be tripled.
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When Josiah was transferred to the hospital he's in now, the same service was offered. He has a CNA with him from 7 am to 7 pm and then a new one comes in for the night shift. We can call and get reports on his day, learn about his medications and activity level and feel connected to him even when we can't physically be there Such a huge blessing. It is never my desire to be away from Josiah for long periods of time, but with a 4-6 week stay it would be impossible to be with him the entire time.
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So to all those parents out there who have children in hospitals frequently, if you never knew about this feature, now you do Take advantage of it. Get some rest and take care of yourself and your family. They need you to be your best. And to all you CNAs out there, thank you for what you do. You are making a positive impact on so many lives. Thank you for lovingly caring for our kids, for being a comforting presence and for being a friend. I know firsthand your job is not easy. Your hours are long and your pay probably is not what it should be. If I could hug each and every one of you and thank you in person, I would. From Josiah and his family, we just want to say God bless you for standing in the gap, and one of these days soon, I'm going to bring you some cake balls. So there you have it.
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For those of you who have children, who frequent hospitals and you stay for extended periods of time if you did not know about this, I pray it is still available Seek out somebody at the hospital who knows and ask them if you can have a CNA. Come and sit with your child so that you can just have a little bit of time alone. Even if it means running down to the coffee shop and sitting outside with a warm cup of coffee on a chilly day or a nice cool smoothie on a hot day, whatever it is, you might need some time alone and this might be something that would really be a blessing for you. I hope it's still available. I hope you're able to take advantage of it, because I know it will make a difference. Thanks for listening to the Embrace the Blessing podcast. Visit embracetheblessingcom slash podcast for show notes and links to any resources mentioned. If this has been beneficial to you, please share it with a friend or post it on your social media pages. Join me next Wednesday for more inspiring stories from people just like you.