Just out of college I had the amazing opportunity to work as a Child Life Therapist at a large Children’s Hospital. I had just graduated from Gordon College which is a Christian college on the North Shore in Massachusetts. What is a Child Life Therapist? It is a specialist who works closely with children and families in medical settings, serving as emotional support and helping develop family coping strategies. I worked with children undergoing bone marrow transplants. Mostly due to cancer. Sometimes my job was as simple as rocking a baby so mom or dad can run and take a shower. Other times my job was to help a child plan his or her funeral. It was heartbreaking, to say the least. But let me just tell you, some of the ideas that the children had for their funerals were out of this world. Whilst some wanted a big send-off with joy and excitement, others wanted something a bit more low-key. Even so, these ideas were great too. I know this was part of my job, but speaking about funeral planning with children never became any easier. The day-to-day was to offer support to the kiddos there. Because it was a cancer ward some kids got better and that was to be celebrated. Other kids did not and they passed. I had one particular patient whom I will never forget. He was 5. I will call him Trevor. Trevor came from a strong Christian home. His dad whom I shall call Scott was married to Trevor’s mom but sadly she had passed away shortly after Trevor was born in a tragic car accident. So back to the two boys as I used to call them. Trevor had undergone a bone marrow transplant for leukemia. Along with a bone marrow transplant he also underwent chemotherapy as well as radiation. Due to his compromised system, he was in a cleanroom. This room was germ-free. Anyone going in had to gown up and do a surgical scrub. Anything going in had to be sterilized. All for his safety. The only human touch he had was through medical gloves. Regardless of his environment or his circumstance, this kid was THE happiest kid I have ever met. He had a joy about him that could only come with a true understanding of who God is and giving thanks in all circumstances. Even at just only 5, he was wise beyond his years. Day after day I would spend time with Trevor. He was a neat kid who loves puzzles. I would hunt high and low for puzzles to keep him engaged while in his sterile room. Often times I would find him working on a puzzle. Baldhead, swollen face, happy smile. As time wore on it was clear that Trevor was not going to be able to fight his battle with cancer and win. He was going to die. As I slowly watched him fade my heart became so sad. I was sitting by his bed one afternoon and he noticed my smile was more planted than genuine. He asked me what was wrong? We got to talking about his prognosis. He looked at me and said I can’t cry for him. I can miss him but I can’t cry for him. I asked him why? He told me he gets to hang out with Jesus. I can miss him but I can’t be sad for him. His answer rocked me to my core. I had never met a kid with such an honest faith. I remember him reaching over and patting my hand. He said, “I do have one question, do you think there will be puzzles in heaven?” With tears in my eyes, I laughed at his innocence. I told him heaven is going to be perfect and if puzzles make you happy then I am sure God has it under control. He looked at me with his bald head and impish grin and said: “just in case when you come will you bring some?” More laughter through tears.
As the days went on Trevor grew worse and worse. I had the amazing privilege to be there with his dad and hold his other hand while he slipped from this world into the arms of Jesus. There were no gloves, no medical equipment just the peace that only can come from Christ. It was not chaotic. It was not trauma-filled. It was a peaceful passing. True love casts out all fear (1 John 4:18). This little boy who fought bravely won in the end. I will never forget what Scott said to me. He looked me straight in the eye and said this little boy was here to teach us about faith. I could only shake my head as there were sobs caught in my throat. I said goodbye to Trevor, gave Scott a hug, and excused myself so Scott could grieve in private. I remember standing outside the room in the hospital corridor. I looked around and realized I still had a job to do. There are still children who need to be comforted. Families that needed me to stand the gap between this horrible disease and reality. I went to the bathroom and pulled myself together and somehow managed to go back to work.
Now here I am many, many years later and that little boy has still left an impression on me. For one so young to have such faith encouraged me in my walk. My dear reader, regardless of your belief system you have to admit that life is so much better when we live in a place where we have faith. Whether it be in a higher power or a loved one. We were not meant to walk this journey alone. I encourage you to cling to your faith. My family knows when I pass whether next week, next year, or when I am very old and grey, to put a puzzle in my box. Not that I really think this will make it to the hereafter but it is a reminder to myself and others around me that I too have the same faith as Trevor. I know to leave this earth is to be with my Savior. So until I see you next Trevor…keep doing those puzzles and save me a good seat up front!
This is beautiful Tracy . Thank you for sharing this youre right, i teared up.
You can miss me but you cant be sad.wow.
What an experience for you. I remember when you wemt to work there.
What a bittersweet post – it is absolutely beautifully written but super sad. I cannot imagine the heartbreak and much love to you for being in that position and helping xxx Sim #PoCoLo
Thank you for sharing such a lovely (but sad) story. For someone so young to have the strength and faith that he showed is very humbling. Well done to you for doing such important work. #DreamTeam
Well that was one special little boy. Very wise. So sad but a lovely story #bloggerclubuk
What a beautiful post, and Trevor, a beautiful soul. #mondaystumble xo
What a beautiful post, so well written. You can really tell he left an impression on you! #fortheloveofBLOG
Brought a tear to my eye this one. What an amazing lad and what an amazing job you do too. Beautiful. Thanks for sharing with #bloggersbest x
This really touched me to read Tracy. What a precious little boy and an incredible legacy of strength and positivity that he has left behind with you to share. Thank you for sharing this with us at #DreamTeam x
Lovely post. I don’t have a faith but I see no reason to belittle those who do especially when it helps someone in a situation like this. #thesatsesh
What an amazing post and such a strong lady you are. I don’t know if I could have the strength to do this at all, and that day just have been really hard for you. Claire x
Oops forgot to say #bigpinklink x
How hard that work but have been, but so important to the patients and their families. #GlobalBlogging
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This is so touching and I’m in awe of your strength to have been able to work with these children under such different circumstances. What a beautiful and special little boy. What an honour to have known him. Thanks so much for joining us for the #DreamTeam x
Also visiting from #fortheloveofBLOG as well! Thanks so much for linking up with us. Claire x
#thesatsesh this is why blogging is so fundamentally important – to share this little dudes story. To hear it through your perspective. Thank you for sharing such a beautiful story
What a brave, brave and inspiring little boy. Thank you for sharing his story. #thesatsesh xx
You know, that’s one of the best blog posts I’ve read for a good while. I’m not religious but spiritual and I think to have such a simple, innocent outlook despite everything is an amazing thing. Kudos to you for doing that job. #kcacols
Great post. A reminder not only that life can be fleeting, but that while we are here it is what we make of it #KCACOLS
Beautiful and sad. These kids really set a hell of an example for humanity. #kcacols
A really lovely (but sad) post. Thanks for linking up at #KCACOLS hope to see you again next week.
This really touched me , really sad story . If it’s any comfort , kid is now in a better place
I teared up reading this beautiful post. What a special little boy!
What a heartwarming and touching story. That must have been such a tough job on so many days and yet I am sure you were a God send to so many of those families.