Giving and Grieving

Days after Michaela died, I started to formulate what I wanted to do for the staff at the oncology. They all played such an important part of our lives the last 7 months of her life. They often went above and beyond to help us find better, easier solutions.

I knew I wanted to do something for them even if it was just a little something. I gathered all that I wanted for gift bags for them and now I am putting them together. My best friend, created sterling silver token hearts which will be for the 5 main team members. I am also including stone hearts, affirmation cards, journals, multi-color pens, coloring books, butterfly magnets, lip balm, and chocolates.

I took all the plain gift bags and decorated them with butterflies. My last words to Michaela were to fly with her beautiful butterfly wings. She was truly my butterfly in so many ways.

I know she would want me to do something for this amazing group of compassionate people that helped her.

I wrote this on Caring Bridge January 14, 2020:

Grand Valley Oncology is phenomenal. M and I have never had such positive medical experience.  They don’t just treat the cancer, they see a whole person and have compassion for what having cancer actually means. They make each patient and their family feel like they are their main priority and will do ANYTHING to make things easier for us. They have whole health programs and help within their facility. A nutritionist, restorative exercise classes, mental health therapist, acupuncture, spiritual care, occupational therapist, lab techs, support groups, and just every thing to help us get through this journey easier. 

I am sitting in the lobby this morning people watching while Michaela has a therapy appointment. Each nurse, therapist, lab tech, and all of the support staff come out and treat each person like they are a long time old friend. Hugs, personal interest in what they say, and the compassion they show is above and beyond the medical treatment.  It honestly brings me to tears sitting here and watching them. I can’t express my gratitude enough for this amazing place that I know has our back and will do anything to help us.