Little Dog Goes To Hospital

Five years ago, I had to stay in hospital overnight for a procedure. I don’t remember what the procedure was, or how it went. But I do remember my (then much younger) sister ‘B’, insisting that I take her little stuffed dog to hospital with me, so that I wouldn’t feel lonely or scared.

It’s amazing how that tiny action has stayed with me for so long. The stuffed dog itself didn’t make me feel any better. But the love behind her fierce determination that I shouldn’t feel alone, that’s what made such an impact.

I ended up taking photos of little dog around the hospital room while I was there, and turning them into a story for my younger sister. She thought it was the best thing ever.

I went hunting for those photos tonight because of a quote I saw online.

“You just have to care.”
My little sister cared, and it made a difference.

I know it can sometimes be overwhelming, having a friend / family member / co-worker with chronic illness. You don’t know what to say. You don’t know what to do.

So take a page out of my little sister’s book.
Don’t try to fix them, don’t worry about the perfect thing to say, or the best time to say it. Just let them know that you care.

I promise, it will make a difference.

xx S.