Our ASLD Angel: Radiothon 2013

Wow! Spring is approaching. I cannot believe that our sweet Hayden would have been two years old in just a few short months. We are often asking the questions of “I wonder”…… Luckily, we are able to look at the sunshine and remember our angel in Heaven.

A few short weeks ago, Brent and I had the opportunity to speak on multiple radio stations to talk about our love for Blair Batson. This is not a surprise to any of you. I have spoken about Hayden’s story often since Hayden passed away. The truth is talking about him is my healing method. Brent on the other hand has never publicly talked about Hayden. He was extremely nervous. Brent did extremely well speaking about our Palliative Care team and Second Floor nurses/doctors. He spoke from his heart and the phones began to ring. I was so thankful to see my husband speak about the hospital we love most.

I was very nervous about going to Batson that Friday. I cried many tears on our two hour drive. I was scared. I love the hospital so much. I love the people. Unfortunately, I was going without Hayden. We started the day by going to eat lunch with the Griffin family. They have a cute daughter and son that brighten our day. Carter is so proud of his wheelchair. When I look at his blonde curls and chubby cheeks, I am reminded of Hayden. It was such a blessing hearing about all of his milestones. He is a precious reminder that miracles do happen.

We headed towards the hospital. Our interviews were late afternoon but we had plans to spend the entire day with our friends at Batson. I started crying like a baby. Brent started smiling. He reminded me that they were the reason Hayden had 14.5 months with us instead of a few months. We should be happy. They were the reason for all of our amazing memories with our son. Well, it did not help the situation. I was still a nervous wreck. I knew that we would be meeting a very special family. Kambree is a beautiful girl that reminds us to never lose HOPE for children like herself and Hayden.

We met one of our sweet nurses and her daughter outside. Grace is a gift from God. She was smiling. I was so thankful to have the opportunity to meet this beautiful Earth Angel that I have heard so much about. Karen and I spoke together at the SCHWARTZ ROUNDS in December about HOPE.

We were welcomed by Kambree and Gina at the front door. It was an amazing opportunity to meet another miracle. Tears began to flow as Kambree had a sunflower headband on her head. She was showing us her support for sweet Hayden. Hayden and Kambree never had the opportunity to meet. Yet, Kambree has Hayden signs often. The color yellow is simply amazing. She sees yellow flowers before all of her Doctor appointments. The hardest part of losing Hayden is the fact of him being a past memory. Kambree reminded me that Hayden is remembered every day. Hope for Hayden is a team of prayer warriors that will now guard Kambree through all of her doctor’s appointments. I firmly believe that Hayden is looking after this precious family. Our color run team T-shirts has the exact same Bible verse. This is an example that Kambree and Hayden are similar. She was given yellow flowers on Homecoming Court. She wore a yellow shirt in the Batson Calendar. They gave her the HOPE FOR HAYDEN blue color paint when doing the color run commercial. We all cried as we met for the first time. Gina and I then had the privilege of sharing Hayden and Kambree’s connection with a few of the radio stations. It was an amazing day. I look forward to my sweet friends meeting “Kambree’s Krew” at the color run! I firmly believe that Hayden is Kambree’s Guardian Angel.

Brent and I were able to see all of the people that we consider family. We saw some of the kids that were patients when Hayden was in the hospital. One of the sweet girls even remembered me. It warmed my heart for her to say, “Hey, it’s been awhile.” This reminded me of our love for this hospital. All in all the Radiothon raised over 400,000 dollars. We were proud to help Mississippi’s ONLY children’s hospital exceed last year’s goal. It truly changed my life to listen to all of these stories.

Enjoyed Lunch Sweet Friends!