Our third annual trip to Scottish Rite

Many of you know that, a few days before Christmas 2005, Rachael had to be taken to the ER in an ambulance and was in ICU at Scottish Rite for almost three weeks. She a very severe case of a rare blood disorder called Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia.

Some of you might also know that we have a winter tradition of going back to the PICU and bringing lunch platters for the families who are currently suffering there.

We chat a little with the families. It is a little odd to chat with them, because they have a way of interacting that is unusual. Or rather, it would be unusual, except that they have a child on the Brink of Death and have been living in a hospital for weeks. It's sort of an odd combination of being dazed, yet slightly friendly, yet a little awkward and uncomfortable, yet deeply grateful, all at the same time.



Here are Rachael and Rebecca (we left Benjamin at my parents' house) with nurses Angela, Kristy, and Laura, all of who remembered us.

Rachael made several cards to give to girl patients, along with a stuffed bear in a pink tote bag. We gave them to the nurses to distribute as they saw fit.

You can see photos and read details about last winter's visit here.