True strength

I recently paid a visit to Le Bonheur Children's Hospital. I was visiting some friends whose child had some surgery there. The youngster came through the surgery with flying colors and I'm happy to say is now home and well on the mend.

But I must say, the visit was very educational for me. I realized that I had no idea what being a strong human being was before I came into contact with some of the parents and kids at Le Bonheur. One couple had been coming to the hospital every day for the past month to have treatment for their little boy. You could just look into the parents' eyes and see the toll that their son's illness is taking on them. But still, they are there as a family working through it. They displayed a strength that was truly inspirational. I couldn't imagine what they go through on a daily basis and the stress and strain that they must be feeling.

Another lady had a 2-year-old little girl with severe burns on both feet and legs. But this mother was one of the most upbeat and positive people I've ever met. She was quick with a smile and a laugh. Dealing with a hurt little one is a pressure that we all can relate to, but having a child in that much pain on a daily basis is almost impossible to comprehend.

These parents are amazing people, but I must say that these children were the true inspiration. Many of them have been in some sort of pain since the day they were born. They have had countless procedures and will have many more over the course of their lives. But still, happiness shines through them. The little boy who had been there for 30 days was one of the happiest and most content little fellows I have ever seen. The little girl with the burns was not able to take her pain medicine for 12 hours while she waited on surgery, but she took it with a quiet reserve that I doubt many adults could handle. She was obviously in pain, but she was not screaming or crying out, she was dealing with it.

The word hero is thrown around a lot in our society today, but I think these folks are the true definition of heroism. Facing an uncertain future, under stressful circumstances and still persevering, that is a hero.

So the next time you get mad that the person in front of you at the grocery checkout is taking too long or you feel sorry for yourself because your feet hurt from standing too long, think of these families. Think of the little boy that will never know the happiness of running or playing like other children. Think of the parents who, on top of the fear and stress of having a sick child, will never know the joy of having their little one run up to them and throw his arms around them to give them a good-night hug. Most of us have it really good, but don't take the time to realize it.