today, as i pulled into my parking spot at Riley Children's hospital, i passed one of our red wagons on the upper level of the parking garage. one of our volunteer duties is to collect wagons from the parking structure and return them to one if our three lobbies for the convenience of our patients and their families. this is a chore sometimes met with a scowl or grunt from volunteers. but not from me. you see, this red wagon is a symbol of hope for children hurting, confused, sad, and overwhelmed by what is going on. these wagons carry tired children, strength sapped by treatment or by ailments. these wagons bring colour to a day mired in the gray shadow of being sick. these wagons provide movement for children unable to walk by themselves. a change of scenery other than a cold exam room, a sterile treatment room, or the confines of a bed and wired to a myriad of monitors. these wagons can bring a smile to a child's face whom by all accounts have not had much to smile about. in these wagons, children can be a race car driver, fly a helicopter, pilot a plane, ride a motorcycle, bike, or horse. or even pilot a rocket ship. they are no longer confined to a bed, but free with their imagination. finding a red wagon outside in the parking garage is not an inconvenience for me. its not a chore. it fills my heart because that red wagon means that there is one child happy, healthy, and leaving a place of safety, love, and recovery. one more child who gained strength, fought hard, and can get back to being who and what they were meant to be. a beautiful kid. when i get here or when i leave, if i find one wagon, great! if i find 5, 10, 50, even better!!! finding red wagons is one of the best parts if my day here, in a day filled with amazing. this red wagon represents hope, health, and love. i love this place.
