Being Kind to Others Can Make a Big Difference in Their Lives
“Kind words do not cost much. Yet they accomplish much.” — Blaise Pascal
It’s that time of year again. Every six months, my daughter Grace and I make our way downtown to the children’s hospital for her biannual Rituxan (rituximab) infusion. This treatment has proven very effective in controlling and eliminating Grace’s symptoms of Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome.
The skilled nurses administer approximately a liter of Rituxan to Grace over a period of about nine hours, making for a long day. No matter the number of books, games, or devices we bring, it seems we always run out of things to keep us busy.
So when the child life specialist makes her way to our treatment room, it’s a welcome distraction. Child life specialists work closely with children and their families in medical settings, serving as emotional support. In addition, they help to explain medical procedures and diagnoses in a way that children can understand.
Since Grace no longer needs an explanation of her illness or the procedures she endures, her child life specialist usually comes in for a quick chat. She draws Grace out in conversation by recalling trips we took last summer and delving into her interests. She encourages Grace about how well she is doing physically and engages her in conversation about her future goals and dreams.
The child life specialist’s words of encouragement make a huge difference in Grace’s life. I’m so thankful for her positive influence. As parents, we all desire someone to pour encouragement and positivity into the lives of our children.
Not only does the child life specialist pour into Grace’s life, but also the amazing nurses at Wolfson Children’s Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida, make efforts to leave Grace feeling better than when she walked in, both physically and emotionally. The nurses take the time to get to know and to really see Grace. They encourage her tremendously with their lighthearted attitudes and careful attention to her. Wolfson has become a safe haven for Grace, and she knows she is surrounded by people who champion her.
Being kind to others costs nothing
In a world seemingly full of negativity and criticism, it’s refreshing to spend time in the comfort and safety of this hospital. The nurses and child life specialists clearly understand that they have the power to change a person’s life with the words they speak.
I’ve attempted to teach my children to use their words for good and not harm. Generosity of words doesn’t cost a thing. I’ve taught them to truthfully encourage others in their strengths — to leave people feeling better about themselves after having been in their presence.
Words have a deep, life-altering power. They can build people up, or they can tear them down. Words have the power to provide fuel to those who are burned out, encouragement to the downtrodden, and hope in a hopeless situation. We have a choice every day about how we use our words.
Whose life can you pour into today with the power of your words? Bless those who are discouraged or downtrodden with life-giving words that infuse hope and encouragement. You have the power to alter the trajectory of someone’s day for their betterment.
Note: Lambert-Eaton News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Lambert-Eaton News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Lambert-Eaton myasthenia syndrome.
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