A nervous smile yet a reassuring voice is what you see and hear as a child is wheeled into the operating room. I know. I've been on the receiving end of those nervous smiles and reassuring voices several times and my sisters have too. Since today is thankful Thursday, I want to take a moment and say how thankful I am to have people who care about my health and well-being in life both physically and emotionally. Always, these caring people have been my family. Yet sometimes, a few strangers were in the mix too. There's nothing quite like a sweet scrub nurse or a funny hospital volunteer that helps brighten what can be a very scary moment.These kind of people make surgeries a lot less scary for children. Tonight, as I watched the season finale of my favorite television program, Duck Dynasty, I was reminded of my family and the strangers who were there to help me get through my medical hurdles in life. Further than that though, I discovered a new way to give back to those who are facing scary medical hurdles themselves. One of Duck Dynasty's characters Jase Robertson's daughter, Mia Robertson was born with a cleft lip and palate. Since I was born with a cleft palate myself, I can relate to Mia and the struggles she faces. Yet she is a fighter and I like to believe that I am too. However, sometimes even fighters need encouragement and help. So, the Robertson's have graciously decided to launch the Mia Moo Fund. The Mia Moo Fund is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to raising awareness and funds toward the management, treatments and surgical procedures of cleft lip and cleft palate. I am very happy to see such a fund which not only helps through monetary donations but also through support and advice.
So, today, I am very thankful for organizations like the Mia Moo Fund that can and do provide so much help and encouragement to children facing medical hurdles. When people look at a child, they often see innocence, playfulness, and joy. Sometimes though, people miss seeing the strength that children have to overcome their trials in life. Still yet, sometimes people miss seeing the struggles that parents go through with their children. However, with organizations like the Mia Moo Fund, awareness is being raised. I am thankful for that. On a personal note, I am forever and always thankful for those who have helped me and my family through the medical hurdles we've faced. Whether it was a visit, a phone call, a gift, a card, or just a smile you'll never know what a difference it can make, especially in the life of a child. Let's all go out and be a "Mia Moo" to kids in need!
Tonight, I have found that the measure of a man can be found in his ability to raise awareness of and find solutions for helping children in their time of medical need.
That, my friends, is just a few thoughts from a small town southern man!
By the way, here's the link to the Mia Moo Fund:
http://www.miamoo.org/about/mission-statement.html
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