This is kind of hard to write.
The Princess the maid and I arrived at the hospital a little after one this afternoon. We stopped at the admissions office and one of Shelby’s friends told us they lost their 8 year old German Shepard to cancer yesterday. All I could do was say how sorry we were. The hurt on her face and entire body showed. Sometimes words just aren’t enough. I felt stupid and inadequate. She went back to her office and we went up to the second floor where the critical and intensive care waiting rooms were. As we got off the elevator we saw one gentleman sitting in the last chair at the very end of the hallway. Shelby and I asked if we could sit down.
We chatted for a few minutes and he told me his nephew was brain dead. He said his brother and his wife were in Haiti rebuilding a church and were trying to get back to Santa Rosa. I mentioned that a mentor of mine and his wife did Christian volunteer work in Haiti and told him their names. He said that’s my brother and his wife and they should be here in the next 10 minutes. They had spent the last 36 hours trying to get home. I walked back down the hallway and told Cindi what was going on. It was about that time that the elevator door opened and they walked out.
We weakly smiled at our weary friends, bikers hug each other,when we greet each other and when we say see you later, these hugs seemed to last a bit longer and I’m so sorry was about all I could come up with. We excused ourselves went on with rest of our hospital visits.
Shelby and I had one incredible visit. A woman had been hurt terribly through domestic violence and had been in the hospital for quite a long time. Even though we are not supposed to do this I put Shelby on her bed and she hugged and stroked Shelby for at least 20 minutes. All I could say is no one deserves to be treated like that and the courts would never let him off of the tons of charges he faced. I gave her one of Shelby’s autographed pictures and left the room.
We hurried back to the other side of the hospital to be with our friends. They told us their youngest son will be a organ donor and has a very rare blood type so hopefully every organ will be used. Cindi told them that would be an incredible legacy for their son. They will keep him on a respirator until all of the paperwork is done and recipients are found and then the organs will be harvested and sent out to those waiting. We spent a long time in the waiting area where Shelby continued to give out love.
It’s been a very rewarding day on one hand, and terribly sad on the other. Shelby put in 5 very long hours today. She helped many, many people smile and gave one very broken lady something to hold onto for a while.
By: maximutt on March 27, 2010 at 8:57 pm
It’s hard to even make a comment that makes any sense on this particular post, but all I can say that you, Cindi and Shelby do a lot of good for a lot of people each time you go to the hospitals, even though it can be very hard on you. Keep up the good work. God Bless you and God Bless your friends.
By: anyemery on March 27, 2010 at 9:15 pm
What a difficult day. Your hearts are so big, and Shelby and you do so much for so many. We’re sure you are such a comfort to those you help. We’ll keep your friends and their son in our hearts and our prayers. As maximutt said… God Bless.
Hugs,
Holly and Susan
By: Peyton's Path on March 27, 2010 at 9:27 pm
Sorry about the hard day, but you made a lot of people feel better! The healing power of a dog is amazing! Keep making a pawsitive impact in other people’s lives! You are an amazing family and I think I can say that all your tripawd friends and families are proud of you! Thank you for being so wonderful to so many people and dogs!
XOXO
Dillon and Rhys
By: Opie on March 27, 2010 at 11:40 pm
You are the best ever, Shelby…Keep being you. Opie
By: jerry on March 27, 2010 at 11:57 pm
Wow.
You know, there’s a reason that we all end up in certain places at certain times in our life. Today, Shelby took you to the hospital to comfort your mentor’s brother. You and Shelby were able to provide support to the family of someone who meant so much to you. For you to all end up there at the same time? Wow. That’s just synchrodestiny at it’s best. How beautiful, touching and difficult at the same time.
Dogs have a magic all their own that helps humans continue on with life even during hard times. Shelby did an extra good job today doing her part to spread the love.
Take it easy tomorrow, you guys deserve it.
Much love coming your way….
By: cometdog on March 28, 2010 at 12:17 am
It’s stories like these that make you realize how precious life is. I’m so sorry for your friends.
Speaking from one that has been in that same position, I know you being there and waiting with them meant a tremendous amount to them.
Thank you for sharing and thank you for doing such good work.
COmet’s mom
By: Kami (Mackenzie's Mom) on March 28, 2010 at 9:01 am
It sounds like it was a very hard day meeting these people with such heartbreaking stories. It really does make you appreciate what you have and how fortunate many of us are. Definitely puts things in perspective. Thank you for sharing Shelby and taking this kind of time to help others feel better. Such wonderful service work that you’re doing – we applaud you.
By: Cherry on March 28, 2010 at 6:06 pm
Unfortunately, there will always be times during these visits that put your feelings through a meat grinder. However, you shared Shelby and brightened the day for many. You need to focus on the positives. To touch someone and make their difficult times better is an incredible deed. Give the Princess an extra hug. Your family will always be some of our Heroes.
By: Carmen (Catie's Mom) on March 31, 2010 at 7:55 pm
What a hard and painful day…but such a worthwhile one. What great work you are doing!