When you’re going through trauma, any moment that brings peace and comfort can make a difference. My pure bliss came to me all dressed up in pretty white fur, long ears and the cutest little button nose. Her name was Elizabeth and she was a Therapy Poodle Puppy.
In ICU, I hear the sounds of my husband breathing, the machines screeching, the nurses running from one patient to the next, and others who are hurting through their moans and groans, then through my own tears, I reach down and put Elizabeth on my lap, hugging her as if she was a newborn baby. I cry out the words of thanks to the angel who brought her to me, but she explained she didn’t bring her, rather that Elizabeth found me on her own. She was actually done making her rounds with patients, but Elizabeth wouldn’t let her leave!
Maybe Elizabeth had heard me crying. Maybe she sensed a person who loves animals was around the corner so she poked her head into the room. No matter what the reason, for the next hour I was allowed to love on this little bundle of joy and it made me forget why I was there.
Little Things Make a Big Difference
If someone you know is experiencing a devastating event, bring them something they love. These ideas are for the caregiver and some would be fantastic even for the patient whether or not they are conscience. We still don’t know what patients hear or understand while in a coma, so why not fill their minds with positive thoughts, feelings or memories.
Are they an animal lover like myself? Ask your nurse if the hospital allows Therapy Pets.
If their hobby is writing, bring them a journal and nice pen or pencil so they can write down their thoughts.
If they are a gardener, bring them a beautiful book about flowers.
If they have pets at home, see if you can visit the house to take some photos of them, print them out and create greeting cards to bring to them from their pets. Use little paw prints for signatures.
Pick some of your favorite Bible verses to print. God’s Word never comes back void.
Does the patient or caregiver read? Find their favorite author and bring them one of their books. Books can be a great escape not only for the loved one but by reading out loud you might just ease the patient’s day too!
Are they music lovers? How about bringing them a headphone with some of their favorite music. I used to play spoken prayers on YouTube or mellow music on my cell, so Carl could listen, making sure the sound was low and comforting. It also changed the dynamics of the room. You could slip away into another world while the songs played.
If the caregiver knits or crochets, bring them some beautiful yarn or an idea book to take their minds off the situation.
Just remember, the main focus of a caregiver is their loved one so items you bring should be light and not cumbersome. I know I had to quickly attend to Carl more than once and being able to toss my book or knitting, or music off to the side made it easy for me to jump up to be there for him.