Lately I have cared for many four year old patients at work. This is unusual because I normally have babies or older children, so I am stumped when it comes to this age. I have learned A LOT in the past two weeks, and am now a bit more comfortable with fours. After being met with lots of tears, screams and a few kicks during my recent shifts, I have come to rather enjoy this age and realize that the child is really in control. I just do as much as they will allow for me to and then quickly exit the room. It really is very heartbreaking to see them suffer and cry through so many of the pokes and procedures they experience during hospitalizations.
Thankfully there is a very wonderful priest who makes his rounds a couple of times a week. I really believe that he must be Heaven sent. He is always so happy and kind. He comes in and talks with the children and their families. The patients normally scream for fear of one more interference in their day. After some time chatting he slowly breaks out his magic tricks, and the mood quickly shifts from sad to joyful. It is truly incredible to see the happiness that he brings to these hospitalized children. They get especially excited when he shows the mouse that lives in his sleeve. And silly me, I usually end up getting tearful because it is so endearing to see smiles and hear laughter from our sick little ones. His presence is such a comfort to our families. Even when the unit is crashing and things are very bad, he comes and brings such warmth and love. He can even make a four year old smile! No doubt, this man is magical. Who knows, maybe he really does have a mouse living in his sleeve?
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