Thursday, July 5, 2018

Who We Were All Meant To Be


Recently, The Littlest underwent a several hour long surgery, and then an extended stay in the Intensive Care Unit.

Although upon his birth it was believed that he had not inherited the genetic disorder that my family carries, it has now become relatively obvious that our initial reassurances were wrong.

Tonight, I was feeling especially worn out. There's a grieving process you go through, when you realize that the life you had planned for your child, might not be the one that they are going to lead.

It has been a long couple weeks, never really being in the same place as my husband or all three of our kids, at the same time. Today I was hoping for some rest and rejuvenation, and instead the older two kiddos decided that they would use today to see exactly how much they could fight with each other, before my head would actually explode.

I was finally getting them all ready for bed, when there was a knock at the door of the hotel room in which we are temporarily living, and we were greeted by one of our favorite Hyatt employees. She had a stuffed bunny and a card, signed by all the staff, wishing The Littlest a quick recovery. She said they'd been thinking of us, and to let us know if we needed anything. This, on top of them giving the room an incredibly deep cleaning a few days ago, so that we could bring The Littlest "home" safely.

Suddenly, I realized that all week, when I'd lugged my weary body in and out of the hotel, past the desk where the staff would ask me how I was and wish me a nice day, that they were some of the only people getting me through. A cookie for the the kids, a juice from the bar, a concerned face asking, truly asking, what they could do for us. The staff member who dug change out of her own purse so that I could do laundry.


And it dawned on me, that the reason we all feel so special in places like a hotel, is because it can often be one of the only places in which we feel like people notice us, and want us to be happy. Where, in a world of hasteful living that breeds unintentional selfishness with our time and agendas, someone has taken an actual interest in our happiness, and comfort.

My little one, he will conquer, because he is strong. He has shown me that he is ready to rally, and so I'm going to step up and rally with him.

This is a different life than I was hoping he would have, but maybe it's just the start of a better one; one that from the very beginning, teaches you to stop and notice other people. Because in a world that is erupting in violence - stemming from people who at the root of it all simply wanted to be noticed - maybe a person that notices people, is exactly the type of person this world needs.

Maybe, it's who we all need to be.

This is not a sponsored post, but it is a true thank you to the staff of the Hyatt hotel. You have no idea what you've done for me and my family, and the lessons that you teach when you remind us all, that the people beyond our own self interests, matter.

And to The Littlest. You've got this buddy; and we've got you. ❤️


18 comments:

  1. Oh, no. Once again I have missed so much. Sending The Littlest so many wishes for strength and healing and hugs for all of you, Eden. He is just the cutest tiny guy! The hotel staff sounds like the best you could possibly have during this difficult time. It is wonderful to find good people in this world we live in today. Take good care of you! Sending you much love from the East Coast.

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  2. I'm so pleased that there are people making you feel taken care of.
    In part because I'm grateful you personally are taken care of.
    In part because I'm grateful there are people bringing that positive and caring into the world

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  3. Holding your family in my heart

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  4. sending the biggest hugs and so much love to your family!! xoxo ❤️

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  5. My heart goes out to you and your family. It's beyond difficult dealing with life's challenges when they happen to our precious little ones.

    What a beautiful feeling to realize that people you see every day really are there for you. Eden, yes, they are being paid to look after you and your family however they are doing these things because they genuinely care about you and your family. Shoot. I don't even know you irl and I care about you and your family!

    Hang in there. You know the older ones are just feeling you and your hubby's tension and worry and they are worried too. Lots of prayers and internet hugs for you and your family. Wish I could come and watch the oldest for you. I'm a wannabe Grandma but my kids are still too young 😉

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  6. Your post both broke my heart and gave me hope in humanity! Continued prayers for you and your beautiful family ❤

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  7. I am sorry for the medical news, but as you are already contemplating, sometimes "negatives" have a way of re-aligning your focus or priorities. Praying this is a catalyst for living in the moment and with greater purpose and awareness. SO thankful for the people who make up your Hyatt home for the kindness and compassion they are showing you daily. Praying for your little one to make his own mark on our world as we watch him grow up. Hugs and prayers from Mississippi! 🤗💕

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  8. Going above and beyond with heartfelt feelings for you and your family ..what an example of true compassion, not just good employees. Wishing you love and strength. ((HUGS))

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  9. Sending so much love to you all right now. You sure have been through the ringer but you are so strong and you continue to conquer ever battle you come up against. You will beat this too. We are all here for you, rooting for you all, and supporting you! Big hugs and a speedy recovery for your littlest!

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  10. People like you and me are not called “Strong” by accident. Sending you hugs all the way from Brazil! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

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  11. Precious and warm are the hearts of many...Thankfully, you are blessed beyond measure for something rich and valuable that one day will be shown.

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  12. Wishing you all so much strength x

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  13. Oh Eden, I'm so sorry. Lots of good vibes coming your way! <3

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  14. I'm glad they are there for you!

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  15. Eden, I'm SO, SO sorry! I know what it feels like to feel like the waves never stop coming. You just get your feet under you, and the next wave comes. I do truly believe that God has a plan and that what you and your family are going through will lead to such blessings, even though it's really hard to see now. I also work in a hotel, and I am going to forward most of your post to my coworkers. What the Hyatt employees did and continue to do for you and your family is exactly why we do these jobs. Or should be anyway. Love and hugs to all of you!

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    1. You are so so SO sweet, thank you! And thank you to all your staff for all you do :)

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  16. What a precious little boy he is...hope he recovers soon.

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