Sophie’s parents were Shelby and Jonathan, and she was a stunning angel. Sophie’s world fell down in May 2017, when she became unwell at the age of two. As Sophie had trouble breathing, Shelby and Jonathan, who had assumed it was just allergies, knew it was more serious. The doctor suspected Sophie had asthma, but one night Sophie stopped breathing, and a nightmare began.
Rushed to the hospital, doctors discovered a large mass in her chest – T-cell lymphoma, a form of cancer. Despite aggressive chemotherapy, Sophie’s condition worsened, affecting her ability to walk, talk, use her hands, and eat. In the midst of this struggle, Shelby, Sophie’s mom, remained tirelessly by her side, with one concern – Sophie’s well-being.
Amid the chaos, Shelby noticed a special nurse quietly working behind the scenes. Despite trying to stay unnoticed, the nurse’s efforts didn’t escape Shelby’s watchful eyes. Capturing a moment when the nurse wasn’t looking, Shelby shared the photo on a Facebook page dedicated to documenting Sophie’s fight, writing, “I see you.” In those simple words, Shelby expressed her gratitude for the nurse’s unseen acts of kindness during a challenging time.
“I see you. I sit on this couch all day long and, I see you. You try so hard to be unnoticed by me and my child.
‘’I see your face drop a little when she sees you and cries. You try so many ways to ease her fears and win her over. I see you hesitate to stick her or pull Band-Aids off. You say ‘No owes’ and ‘I’m sorry’ more times in one day than most people say ‘thank you’..
”I see all of those rubber bracelets on your arms and wrapped around your stethoscope, each one for a child that you’ve cared for and loved.
‘’I see you stroke her little bald head and tuck her covers around her tightly. I see you holding the crying mom that got bad news. I see you trying to chart on the computer while holding the baby whose mom can’t-or won’t be at the hospital with her.”
“You put aside what’s happening in your life for 12 hours straight to care for very sick and something’s dying children. You go into each room with a smile no matter what’s happening in there. You see Sophie’s name on the schedule and come to check on us even when she isn’t your patient.
”You call the doctor, blood bank, and pharmacy as many times as necessary to get my child what she needs in a timely manner. You check on me as often as you check on her. You sit and listen to me ramble for 10 minutes even though your phone is buzzing and you’re to do list is a mile long.”
“I see you. We all see you. No amount of snack baskets or cards can fully express how appreciated you are. You are Jesus to us every single day. Our children wouldn’t get what they need without you. Moms like me wouldn’t feel sane or heard without you. You save our babies and we couldn’t do this without you.”
Shelby’s heartfelt letter,
not only made an impression on the nurses for whom she wrote it, but it also struck an emotional connection with other parents who had gone through similar things and saw the nurses as the pediatric unit’s heroes.
These nurses deal with the most challenging moments in parents’ life on a daily basis, which makes their work extremely difficult. Sadly, Sophie was never able to grow up and say thank you to the nurses who gave her so much support. Despite a brief relapse in December 2017, the family chose to cease therapy because her small frame could not withstand the severe cancer’s treatments.
Sophie went away quietly in the arms of Shelby and Jonathan on January 4, after a final 13 days of cuddles, stories, music, movies, and love.
”My goal through this entire process has been to be transparent and honest and shine light on what really goes on during a battle against cancer. I haven’t sugarcoated the bad days but, I’ve also been able to show the great work the Lord has done throughout this. I hope to continue to do that as we continue on without her”, says Shelby.
Cancer is like the scariest monster, especially when it picks on kids. Sophie’s story tells us we should enjoy every day like it’s super special, loving as much as we can.
Her story also says that the awesome nurses and hospital friends should get big hugs for all the good things they do. They’re like magic helpers, play buddies, storytellers, advice-givers, and huggers, making lots of families feel better, not just the little patients.
