After Norah’s 10 a.m. blood draw we had about an hour to kill while we waited for the results, so we went out to the absolutely gorgeous healing garden on the 7th floor of the Smilow Cancer Hospital. It’s connected to the Yale-New Haven Children’s Hospital by a glass bridge on the same floor as the PICU. It’s such a peaceful, beautiful space, and the weather was perfect.
After spending some time in the garden, we went to the playroom in the PICU and hung out with Woody (a volunteer), and a woman from the Child Life department. The Child Life specialists do all kinds of things to make the kids less worried, less bored, whatever they need. Our Child Life specialist, Leah, brought movies, games, and craft projects to keep Norah occupied yesterday, which was a huge help.
We got the great news that Norah’s calcium had risen slighly, along with the bad news that she had to have one additional blood draw. We had promised Norah that the previous draw would be the last and it’s her least favorite thing to do, so it was a tough one. Our PCA (patient care assistant), Rosa, helped out and then took Norah to the toy closet and let her choose a toy to take home. She picked a tea set. Rosa was really impressed with Norah’s Spanish and tried to distract her during her blood draws by asking her questions in Spanish.
We finally headed out around noon. As we said goodbye to all the staff in the PICU, I jokingly said, “I hope we never see you again! Or maybe Norah will see you when she’s here for med school!” Norah keeps saying that she wants to be a doctor at Children’s in Boston. After seeing up close the hours our doctors keep and the dedication to their work, I’m not sure I’d choose that life for her, but I guess I don’t get to choose.
Norah’s teacher, María, came over for a visit this afternoon, and Norah is almost back to normal. I am exhausted. Nightie-night.
Click here to start at the beginning and read the first post about Norah’s thyroid.