Morgan's Story
Through her mother's eyes
Morgan was admitted to the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU) at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center on November 3, 2002. She spent 3-1/2 weeks in the CICU until being transferred to the cardiac floor for the remainder of her stay. Although she was sedated quite a bit of that time, my husband and I believe she was aware of the good care she was receiving.
"Kelly Would Soon Become Not Only Her Angel But Also Morgan's"
Kelly Gleason, a child life specialist at Cincinnati Children's, came into our lives on November 5, 2002. She introduced herself, explained her role, and offered assistance in explaining Morgan's illness to her older sister, Alyssa. We took her up on her offer because we weren't quite sure how or what to say to our 3-year-old daughter. Kelly connected with Alyssa and was able to get her to open up -- something that is rare with someone she meets for the first time. I guess Alyssa knew that very first day that Kelly would soon become not only her angel but also Morgan's.
Kelly checked on us every day and made sure that Alyssa had toys and games to keep her occupied while we concentrated on Morgan. She even took Alyssa to the Child Life Activity Center so that she could have some fun. What a wonderful playroom -- the activities and toys were a great way to distract our daughter from the fact that she could not visit Morgan in the CICU. When Morgan was finally able to wake up, Kelly made sure she had age-appropriate mobiles and toys.
"Her Thoughtfulness Made Alyssa's Entire Day!"
Kelly would even stop in the CICU just to visit and see how we were holding up. She encouraged us to utilize the resources that the hospital had to offer and provided us with information when we asked. Alyssa's birthday was on December 4 and Morgan was still in the hospital. Kelly brought her a balloon and a baby doll backpack. Her thoughtfulness made Alyssa's entire day!
Kelly is an amazing lady with a special gift of being able to connect with children and their parents. It is said that the affection and loving gestures will all come back to you. Well, we are confident that Kelly will be rewarded for all the kindness she showed us throughout our lengthy stay.
To this day, Alyssa asks us how Kelly is doing and if she can visit her. It's obvious the impression she made on our older daughter. When we had to come back to the hospital for more tests for Morgan, Kelly came to visit us and held Morgan. Morgan immediately smiled because she also remembers Kelly visiting her in the hospital. Kelly even got Morgan to giggle -- something she had only done with family to date.
"There Is No Doubt In Our Minds That Kelly Is An Angel"
My husband and I both believe in angels -- those who guide us each and every day and those that are on this earth to physically help those in need. There is no doubt in our minds that Kelly is an angel because she has a very difficult, and we're sure often thankless, job to do.
