Nighttime at the Hospital

I was twelve.  I had shredded the meniscus in my right knee doing my stellar junior high cheerleader moves.  Arthroscopic surgery was in the near future, but would not arrive in time for me.  I needed surgery.  The old-fashioned, kind-of-a-big-deal kind.  In those days it meant five nights in the hospital.  A night before to prep for the big day, and four to recuperate enough to go home.

I was twelve.  I should have been old enough to be fine on my own.  I should have been.  But I’ll admit it.  I did not like the hospital at night.  The daytime was fine.  There were nurses in and out, and hovering parents, intercom announcements, and meals like clockwork. 

But the night…

The nights were quiet, and parents were shooed out to go home and “let her rest.”  The lights were dimmed and nurses clung to their station.  Even at twelve years of age, I was lonely, in pain, and a wee bit afraid.  Even at twelve.

Imagine for a moment what very young children in the hospital experience in the dim hours of the night.  It is dark, too quiet, and hours to drag on allowing them to focus on their discomfort.  At least hospitals have made great leaps in terms of parents allowed to stay with their child, and comfortable, inviting rooms.  The hospital in which I am a volunteer has done an amazing job of creating an atmosphere of ease and comfort. 

But I think nights must still be challenging, regardless. 

I had an idea a few weeks ago that I think might help in this very area.  Next week, I will fill my bag with “Goodnight, Moon” (Brown), “Guess How Much I Love You” (McBratney), and “It’s Time to Sleep, My Love” (Tillman), along with other bedtime classics, and head to the hospital late in the evening to read to young patients.  It is my hope that the magic of those and other lyrical classics will soothe fevered brows, and make eyelids heavy.  My wonderful volunteers are onboard, too.  I am hoping we can get in to read to sleepy children several nights a week this summer, spread between volunteers.  I am hoping it will help ease wee ones into those nighttime hours.

Here’s where you can help.  I am hoping some who read this will feel compelled to donate books or money to purchase some classic bedtime stories.  I just found and ordered some of the aforementioned books for very reasonable prices.  If you would like to be a part of this new venture, please consider helping us grow our “bedtime story inventory.” Please see the "Wish List" tab for titles (scroll to the bottom of the page.)  Or send us your favorite.

You have blessed many children already with your wonderful donations.  I know you will help us again, and make nights just a little easier for precious tots. 

Blessings,

Vonda

Please send checks/books to:

Project Armchair

PO Box 826

Mandan, ND  58554