sick kids and compassion

    Before I had kids I felt sad when I heard about a child being sick, because kids should always be healthy and happy, right?  After I had kids I felt sad still and maybe a little sick with worry because I now had kids and understood when a child was sick how worrisome it can be.  When Cade was 10 months old he got the flu and threw up non-stop for 24 hours.  He was so sick and dehydrated that he was admitted to the hospital and I spent a horrific night trying to make my baby comfortable while he was hooked up to IVs in a cold hospital crib.  It was horrible and still when I think of that event from 5 years ago I still feel the fear of being a helpless parent when your child is sick. 
    Yesterday my friend Jen's son Austen was admitted to the hospital.  He's been sick for weeks with first pneumonia and now RSV and has not gotten better.  Because I know Austen I want him to be well more than any commercial for St. Jude's kids (which make me cry every time and is the only charity I give regularly to).  I know that sick feeling in the pit of Jen's stomach that is helpless fear and I wish Austen would be better now and I could do something to make it better. 
   Jen's other son Caiden is Kellen's best friend.  Never before have I seen one of my sons bond with a child like Kellen and Caiden.  They are the cutest little boys and yesterday Caiden came to play with us for the day.  I am grateful that I was able to do something for Jen and lucky that ALL my boys took Caiden under their wings.  Yesterday Caiden was another brother for my boys and it showed in the hugs and fun they showed him.  I'm not sure if they know or understand that Caiden's brother is sick, but they knew that Caiden needed some fun friends to play with and made yesterday a great day for everyone.  As I left to take Caiden home to his grandparents house last night hugs and kisses and I love yous went around from the boys and I realized how blessed I am to have my boys.  Prayers for Austen who needs to get better soon, especially since my boys can't wait for him to grown up and play too.