It's interesting when I step into Children's Hospital, I never know what to expect. Generally, I see a patient and the next day they are gone. However, more times than not, it is important to realize that many children spend weeks and months sitting in the same hospital bed, looking at the same walls whilst trying to pass the times by watching movies or coloring by themselves, etc. It is rare that I ever have the opportunity to see a patient on a consistent basis. However, being that it is summer and I am not engaging in lesson planning, I find that I am able to build more consistent relationships with patients who are at the hospital for longer periods of time. Recently, I met a patient and although I will not reveal her name, I have to say that she is probably one of the most energetic, sarcastic, charismatic, beautiful individuals I have ever met. Believe me, when you meet someone with such a zest for life or a person who, despite his or her circumstances can make the sun shine from their smile, it is a special person. I think, in another life, this individual and myself would have been extraordinary friends. And just after two days, we are just that-even if only for a short time.

    In the meantime though, we have engaged in many hours of conversations talking about our families, asking questions, laughing, coloring, going on adventurous looking for condiments down in the cafeteria and just simple joys of realizing the importance of friendship in our lives. "For it is the people, not the places that make life beautiful." It is always a humbling reminder to myself that despite our everyday complaints and "grunts" there is nothing worth complaining about for many people we meet in this lifetime are enduring much more difficult battles-all with a smile. I am forever thankful to this beautiful patient who has rekindled my love of meeting others, listening to children of all ages and remembering that "if you aren't having fun while you are doing it" than you are not doing it right at all.