Friends of CoinTalk This is in recognition of the kindness and generosity of many of the folks on this forum. I recently won a beautiful pair of 1944 coins in the “Twelve Days of COINmas” contest by being nominated by another member. I would have posted this there but did not want to distract from that theme, so I am doing it here. This simple yet intense feeling of goodwill has compelled me to do something I have wanted to do for a very long time but just haven’t been able to. In April of 1999 my 12-year-old son became ill and was diagnosed with cardio myopathy at the Children’s Hospital and was immediately put on the heart transplant list. After a few weeks his health deteriorated and he was hospitalized. I began staying with him most nights, going to work in the morning then home for a short time and back to the hospital. The staff were so wonderful in their care for him, as well as the dozens of other children there in similar or even worse situations. They extended that care to me as well and considering their workload and the intense emotional impact of working with so many who needed so much, it was truly amazing, something you can never forget. I was home one Sunday afternoon that July for my daughter’s birthday, and after blowing out her candles she leaned over and whispered that she had wished for a new heart for her brother. We hugged, cried, and I left to go back to the hospital and share some cake with him. The next morning just before 2 am we were awoken by two nurses coming in; they announced a heart was available and he would immediately be going into surgery. There was a flurry of activity, and within minutes he was rolled out of the room. I made a call to let the family know and was soon in the waiting room. Around 9 am the doctor came and let us know that the surgery had gone well and he would be in the ICU, and we would be able to see him later in the day. Unbelievable to me, on Saturday morning, after only five days, he had recovered enough that he was able to go home for the first time in several months, and we soon got into a somewhat normal routine. Several years later we were told the circumstances that led up to the heart being available, but that’s not for me to share; it was tragic but with some amazing consequences. Over the next six years we had many difficulties along with some good times, but we always understood how tenuous everything was. In September 2005, at the same hospital where he received the heart and had been treated over the years, he passed due to complications from rejection. We have all known loss, no one person’s pain is worse than another’s, but at times it is just debilitating; an ache so deep it can’t be described. But somehow you get through the moment, one day leads to the next, and without realizing it a couple of weeks have gone by and you begin to become accustomed to your new reality. I took a day off work a month or so later and drove to the hospital with the intention of going in and thanking some of the staff that I had gotten to know over the years for all of their support and compassion. I knew most had moved on in their medical career, as the emotional toll of dealing with so many children in such serious situations make these traditionally short tenured positions, but a few I knew were still there. I got to the main door but couldn't walk through; I suddenly couldn’t breathe. Other people were going in and out, so I went off to the side and attempted to get control of myself. I tried again to go in but just couldn’t do it, so I got back in my truck and drove home. That Thanksgiving most of our family were at my mother’s home and as typical the talk came up of what to do for Christmas gifts. There were maybe fifteen or so of us there at the time, and over the years we had done different gift giving’s, but this year was different. I don’t remember who suggested it, but the decision was made to donate to the Children’s Hospital what we would have spent on each other. Friends and other family members heard, and many very nice donations were given that year in my son’s name. Over the years we continued this in various ways, and it became a bit of a tradition. My mother was always the one to go to the hospital with the checks, and often would ask me to go with her, but I never did; I knew I wouldn’t be able to go through those doors and didn’t want to face it. Several years ago, the hospital opened a north campus, only a few miles from where she lives and much closer to me, and she asked again if I would go, but I still refused. Just thinking about it brought back that ache, and I just didn’t want to deal with it. I have never done any social networking, nothing beyond texting with family and friends. I have a simple collection of US coins and was looking online for information on one early this year and was directed to a site (CoinTalk) where they had discussed exactly what I was looking for, and I was intrigued. Not wanting to look like an idiot, I learned the layout of the site and began following many discussions. I was learning a lot and after a few months I created an account and introduced myself and became a part of the group. When the holidays came, the traditional “Twelve Days of COINmas” was began, and I was nominated and selected for a very nice gift. I can’t explain the emotional impact this had, it doesn’t really make sense, but for some reason I was instantly reminded of my son and our traditional gift. But even more, I felt the need to do it myself this time. On Monday, a few days before Christmas, I visited my mother and then headed home. Instead of driving by the hospital as I have done countless times, I turned in. I parked and began walking in; the feeling was there, but I just kept going and made it through the large revolving door at the entrance. Everyone was required to check-in, and after letting the receptionist know I wanted to donate she smiled and asked me to sit in the waiting room and someone would be out. A few minutes later a young woman came and introduced herself, but I couldn’t speak; I had no breath. She didn’t bat an eye, just continued to smile and began describing her job working in the Child Life Department. She had obviously dealt with folks like me, and she gave me the time to settle down. Eventually I could tell her my son’s name, and some of our story. She explained the options of where the donations could go, and I selected and wrote out two checks in my son’s name. One was from our family, and the second I wrote “From the Friends of CoinTalk” in the memo line. She then said I had come on a very good day; they were just starting their Christmas present give away. We went to a large room staffed with a couple of smiling volunteers, with about a dozen large tables along the walls, packed with all sorts of games, toys, clothing, everything you would expect, divided somewhat by age. They were ready for the children both staying at the hospital or those coming in for treatments to come through and make their selection. I could only look around and be amazed, not so much at the things that were there, but the idea of what they were doing, and the impact it would have on those kids. The first family came into the room and we exited through a side door to give them their privacy, and she walked me out of the hospital. I made it back to my car where I broke down for a few minutes, but then was able to smile and head home. Please understand; this is not some attempt to get anyone to give or donate; quite the opposite. Because of the kindness of the people on this site I was able to do something I haven’t been able to for nearly 20 years. You have given me something that I never thought I would have, and I am so thankful for you all. Have a safe and peaceful holiday season! Kevin PS Below is the website and a card I was given of one of the medical dogs used in their specialized Child Life program. These wonderful creatures are specially bred and trained to make the young patients more comfortable, motivate them to meet their goals, and just be their friends. Some of the money given will go to help support this program, so thank you again! Medical Dog Program | Children's Hospital
Merry Christmas and God Bless you and your family. May your New Year be Blessed with Health, Happiness and Prosperity for you and your family.
Kevin, that y out for sharing this heartfelt story. My heart goes out to you for the loss you and your family had 20 years ago. I’m glad that you were able to walk through those door and see what was happening and where the money your family donated was going to. I’m sure many families have been helped by your generosity. May you and your family receive the peace that only God can provide, especially at this time of year. It is a pleasure having you as a member of this group. May the Lord bless you and I pray you will have a happy and joyous Christmas.
