Healing the Children
Being a host parent for “Healing the Children” for the past twenty years has brought me so much joy. Knowing that we can provide a safe home for a child with medical needs traveling from another country, without his or her family, is a very important role that we play in their lives. Our love for the child becomes unconditional as we step in as Mother, Father, Sister, and Brother……Family. Being separated from their family in addition to experiencing difficult procedures and physical discomfort or pain is very scary for them. Giving them the comfort of family support during these times is a chance to be the positive support that may make all the difference in their lives. Taking care of a four year old girl in my home who is completely blind, away from her family, and speaking a different language is something that requires understanding and special attention. Being there to witness her receive vision, against all odds, and see her own reflection for the first time in her life as she exclaims “Look! It’s me! It’s me!” looking into the mirror…that is the reward. Helping a child walk with his new prosthetic legs as he looks me in the eyes and says “They feel like real legs!” and hearing him explain how good it feels to be tall enough to hug people face to face is an experience that is unique and unforgettable. Listening to children scarred from burns on their body explain how lucky they are, and grateful for life, and these children come with no material possessions, just their open hearts and sometimes open wounds. These children are the ones giving gifts without even knowing it. Hugging, kissing, feeding, holding the hand of and mostly just loving a child in need is not hard to do. It is also a privilege and an honor. Ultimately they give more to me than I give to them. The gift of love!
http://htcnj.org/
Review from #MyGivingStory