A Beacon of Hope
What do you think of when you see the lighthouse at Totally Kids? Do you know what I see? I see a symbol of hope, a source of light that guides parents through a turbulent dark sea. I see a beacon of optimism for families that are experiencing the most difficult event in their lives; an illness or catastrophic event that hurt their child. I see Totally Kids represented by that beautiful lighthouse, providing hope to those families, letting them know that their child is in excellent hands.
That lighthouse, with all the little scratches and markings on its surface, bears witness to decades of service by hundreds of employees since 1971. That lighthouse reminds me of every nurse who has cried tears of joy when a patient was discharged to go home after recovering. Even when many outsiders believed recovery was impossible. That lighthouse reminds me of our doctors, who talk about the children as though they are their own. Often making them laugh with a familiarity reserved only for close family members.
I think of every respiratory therapist who cared for an infant with underdeveloped lungs and watched become healthy; breathing effortlessly and developing into a strong child. I am reminded of every physical, occupational, and speech therapist who worked diligently with a child who suffered an aneurysm, to the point where the child regained movement to the side of their body they once could not move. I am reminded of every activity our child development staff plans. Activities that are planned so that the children continue to grow and meet every social, emotional, and educational need.
The above picture brings to mind every administrator and staff member who works long hours. Long hours that are served because they know their work plays a role in the care of our patients and their families. I see our environmental and maintenance staff working diligently, with a smile knowing that they play a major role in maintaining and clean and healthy environment.
Most importantly, I see every parent and family member who was full of joy when their child surpassed every milestone and was discharged home. I see the smiles on the faces of their kids as they get into their parents’ cars and wave goodbye to us as they leave our parking lot.
While many may drive by and simply see a lighthouse outside the Totally Kids facility, it means so much more than a mere building. It represents who we are, what we provide and the pride we take in being a part of this community.
