No one knows the amazing effect a simple act of kindness can have. It is why I try to pay it forward all the time.
I was very sick as a young teenager. I was in the ICU, and pediatric ward more than I can even remember. I couldn’t walk most of the time, my eyes were so blurry I couldn’t see, the days ran into each other I was there so long. But there are a few things I do remember…….
I was in the pediatric ICU with an underweight baby I was allowed to feed. The nurses watched me, I loved doing it, and I could be in bed and contributing to something at least. We really weren’t sure if I was going to make it then, I did not know that at the time. They were trying to cure my very advanced Lyme Disease back then with penicillin and the course of treatment only had a 25% cure rate, but they also knew that I couldn’t infect anyone else either. So, if I could stand and walk, they let me, I even did the stairs if I felt up to it. Not many kids in the ICU could walk, or breathe on their own at all.
There was also young boy, Michael, he had a severe brain tumor, and Michael J. Fox was his “Make A Wish” guardian. Young Michael was not going to last very long. Everyday MJF called young Michael and they spoke on the speaker phone, I asked if I was allowed to say “hello”, and of course they let me. The very next day packages arrived. A few for young Michael and one hand delivered to me, by MJF himself – a Teddy Bear that I still have today.
I truly do not know if he already suspected that he had Parkinson’s disease, but I will say that he was and is generous in spirit and his time he gives to others, I cannot gush enough about him.
There was also a young doctor, who came a couple of Sunday’s on his day off to play the guitar for all of us. He played happy songs that we all knew, it certainly raised our spirits. About 8 months and thousands of tests and LPs (spinal taps) later, I finally was able to leave the hospital. I was weak, I was behind on schoolwork, even though teachers came in with lesson plans, they let a lot go, they pointed to answers for verbal tests (when I could see). Everyone played a part in helping me get better, and I did get better. Not only did I walk again, I danced in Performing Arts HS again, it was the greatest and worst time of my life.
Update on young Michael. He lived, and still lives, and is a brilliant brain surgeon. It’s an incredible story of courage and grit. It propels me to move forward and do better each day. I may not be a brain surgeon, but I know I can help people.
Be kind, be generous with your time, show up, helping someone also helps YOU, also know asking for help doesn’t make you weak, it makes you stronger and self aware.
I can never repay the kindness that all the doctors, nurses, aides, and physical therapists, and their assistants, teachers, my parents, my siblings, and friends but, I can pay it forward to the next person, and I endeavor to do that everyday.
Thank you Michael J. Fox for all of you kindness and giving even through all of your trials and tribulations. The world is better because you’re in it.
Gratefully yours to eternity and back,
Nicole Gabriel
That's News To Me 