Sunday Afternoon

What a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon. We visited Intermountain Medical Center with the hopes of delivering some blankets and dogs named Junior. With three kids in tow, a map of the patient tower and an idea of which floors to visit, we headed up the elevators. It is so fun to listen to Judy explain to the nurses our purpose in being there and watching their expressions and body language turn from "Can I help you?" to one of understanding and joy as they try to determine which of their patients could most benefit from some "Hope and Comfort". They are touched and moved as they hear of Jason's story and his desire to spread hope and comfort to other patients.

As we were talking to some nurses, a nearby doctor overheard us and informed us that she had a patient that could use some cheering up. This patient had just had a baby who was in the NICU. She gladly accepted a beautiful blanket to present to this new mother.

We were able to deliver another blanket to a new mother in the critical care unit who was missing her baby and was so grateful for the gift. We were able to ask an elderly woman which gift she would like, and though it was difficult for her to communicate through her tubes and masks, she let us know that she would like "Junior" and then proceeded to lift one finger and wrap it around the dogs leg.

It is so fun to talk to the many nurses and support staff. They perform such an amazing service to people and you can tell they truly care about their patients. It shows in their faces.

One of the more touching moments came as we were invited into an elderly patients room. As we explained to the nurse our purpose, she directed us to the patient's son and as I turned to hand him a "Junior", his eyes were full and he couldn't speak he was so filled with emotion. This caught me off guard and I too could no longer speak. I just held his hand and for a brief moment we had a very human connection. He invited us to come visit with his father who explained to us that he once had a yorkie. It was obvious the son was trying to be strong for his father, but he would have to turn away as his emotions got the best of him. It made me reflect on how difficult it is to watch our loved ones experience the trials of mortality and yet we are not meant to go through this alone. We all need each other.

I know Jason is so grateful to those who surround and support him! Please know that you are inspiring so many people. The kids want to know when they can go again.