As I walked down the hall, I couldn't help but notice the crowd of people
gathered near the end of the aisle. It didn't hit me as to why so many were
standing outside the room, but as I got closer, I knew.
I had my hands full of stuffed animals. Someone yelled out, "She's here," but I
didn't think it was me they were talking about.
Suddenly a man walked up to me and said, "We need you in this room immediately."
I saw children in the hallway crying. I saw grown women and men crying, and then
I knew. The crowd moved and made a path for me to walk into the room.
My first thought was, "This is an angel I'm looking at." Golden blond hair
streaming down the side of her face, eyes shut, the bed made her look much
smaller than she actually was.
A man who was sitting in a chair broke out in a big sob and I knew, he was the
father. I looked up and saw him put his arms around the woman next to him. She
was softly crying.
Someone else walked up behind me and said, "She doesn't have much time left,
it's cancer of the stomach." My heart went out to the little girl and her
parents. I knew their pain. I knew how their hearts were breaking. And I knew
how their lives would be changed forever once they lost their precious little
girl.
I felt at a loss for words. Yet, in my arms was a white angel teddy bear, and I
knew, this couple needed an angel more than anyone in that room at that moment.
I walked up to them and choking back my own words, I said, "I've got an angel
for you."
The father stood up and hugged me and said, "I know you've lost a child. They
told us you'd be in the hospital today. We don't know.........can't..........."
and I replied, "I know."
The mom stood and told me their little girl took sick just a few weeks back. She
kept saying her stomach hurt. Only five years old and that little angel's
parents were told, "Your daughter has cancer, it's aggressive, there is nothing
we can do but make her comfortable."
I bent over the bed to look at this beautiful child. Tears rolled down my own
face, remembering my little angel who was the same age as this one. I looked up
towards the ceiling and silently asked, "Why? Why do these young children have
to suffer, have to lose their lives so young?" "Why do parents have to know this
pain that I know? Why?"
When I go to Children's Hospital and give away stuffed animals, I do it for all
those who donate animals in memory of their child. I do it because I promised
myself many years ago I would do anything I could to help another parent who has
to suffer with the pain of losing a child. I do it for my own son. I do it
because I love my child. Death has never taken away what my heart feels.
I left the floor the little five-year-old was on. I found out she died later
that evening. For days I thought about her, and her parents. I thought about how
many children I have met when I go from room to room to meet them and give them
a stuffed animal. I've never forgotten any of them. Nor have I forgotten the
parents.
I wish I could take their pain away. I wish I could promise them a better
tomorrow. I wish I could bring their child back. But I can't. I can only do what
I do, which isn't much. But I can let them know.....they are not alone. I can
let them know there are others who have walked this road. I can let them know
someone cares and understands. And maybe I can give them hope when I say, "I
lost my child many years ago. I've survived, and one day you will be where I'm
at, and you will reach out your hand and tug along another who is facing what
you are now."
Every eleven seconds, somewhere in this world, a child dies. Every eleven
seconds, somewhere in this world, parents are dying inside. I can only pray for
them and hope they know a stranger somewhere in this world cares.
Sharon Bryant 1946@bellsouth.net
About Me:
I am Sharon Bryant, 59 years old and reside in Alabama. I lost my child in 1977
when he was five and I write articles on bereavement often. I am a
chocolate/candy maker and also a wood crafter and knitter. I am married to a
wonderful man, and have two remaining children, a daughter 25, Amy, and a second
son, Randy, age 22. My main goal in life is to help those who have lost a child.
My website is: www.angelsremembered.tk
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