Closure Assignment

This is me with my little buddy at the hospital who we gave the moniker "Augustus". I've gone in and spent the afternoon with this little boy on at least 5 or 6 different occasions and grew to really love him. Today, I went into his room and instead of seeing him laying face down in his crib with a sweaty head and a diaper full of urine as I'd usually find him, I saw him standing there in his crib crying all bundled up in his blue hooded winter onesie while his mother gathered up the few things that were hers. She was young and probably poor with many other kids at home and wasn't able to spend time with her boy "Augustus". I can't describe the bitter-sweet emotions that come as a result of having to say goodbye to these children we learn to love, knowing we'll never see them again. I'm so glad he's recovered from his Bronchitis, but I'll always miss his smile he'd greet me with every time I walked in the door.



We have been given a "closure assignment" to help us cope with having to say goodbye to these children we've grown to love. In the past, I've never liked thinking much about having to say goodbye or making a big deal about it. I just leave and hope nobody notices. But now I realize how unhealthy and selfish that can be. Any time I've avoided or resisted saying a formal goodbye, I've forfeited the peace that comes from having shared my true feelings with someone that has become important to me. This quote was sent along with our assignment:

It takes strength to be firm; it takes courage to be gentle.

It takes strength to stand guard; it takes courage to let down your guard.

It takes strength to conquer; it takes courage to surrender.

It takes strength to fit in; it takes courage to stand out.

It takes strength to feel a friend's pain; it takes courage to feel your own pain.

It takes strength to hide feelings; it takes courage to show them.

It takes strength to endure abuse; it takes courage to stop it.

It takes strength to stand alone; it takes courage to lean on another.

It takes strength to love; it takes courage to be loved.

It takes strength to survive; it takes courage to live.

And I would add that it takes strength to face an unknown future and courage to say good-bye!

Today I had to say goodbye to "Augustus". His mom told me his name is Dorin.