An act of kindness makes difference for visiting Texan
UPDATED 11/29/03
Braille a former Texan reaches out to a Texan friend.
Last week, my husband's long time childhood friend came back to Maine after 25 years of being
away, along with his wife.
Upon arriving she took sick because of a recent case of terminal cancer and is hospitalized
during her planned visit.
Sunday night while visiting with him, he met Braille. When I spoke of her therapy dog work, it
made sense that we might try to get in and at least pay her a visit. It's the least bit of hospitality
we could show for her. These folks have two of their own dogs waiting at home for them, of which
I know they are missing.
All people that are interested in testing for a possible therapy dog work at this hospital are sent
my way for testing.
This morning I got up and started making phone calls, only to find that most of the people
contacted were gone for the day to a local conference. I decided to leave a message hoping that
they did check their voice mail during the day.
Because of all the therapy dog volunteer work that I do with Bubba and Braille, I never have
had the time to sign on as a regular visitor to this hospital. Even a call to security would not do or
let us pass the guards.
Within minutes of leaving the phone message with the volunteer coordinator, I received a phone
back. After talking to her and explaining this situation, she said she'd make a few phone calls to
check in with the possibility of a visit with Braille.
Minutes passed and the phone rang, with the best words of the day. You're all clear for a visit at
1 PM, check in with security and they'll be happy to guide you to the room.
That someone special must of been watching over us today for this to all happen so quickly.
Braille and I drove across town and parked the car. Into the hospital we walked and the first
person to greet us was security. When Braille and I identified ourselves', the guard said he was
expecting us with a big welcome and smile. I heard someone needs you he said.
Down the halls we went in search of the elevators and up to the third floor. We checked in with
the head nurse, who said we were expecting you. You find your friend down the hall on the right
waiting for you.
Braille and I walked into the room to find her and her husband. Braille sat gently next to the
woman and she patted Braille. She heard how special Braille was and how she come from Texas
herself and now could give her a warm welcome to Maine. We stayed and chatted for about 15
minutes, then left wishing them a safe trip home on Wednesday back to Texas, where their own
two dogs would be waiting for them.
God sends his angels in different forms and Braille was true to the test of being one for this
person, making a difference for her day, today. Reaching out to touch a stranger, now friends.
God bless you Braille you are a gift of give.
UPDATED 11/29/03 - We received a phone over Thanksgiving weekend from the husband, that
his beloved wife passed, leaving this world on 10/17/03 after much pain and suffering.