BECAUSE WE CARE... stones can comforting

My girl and I recently had an opportunity to learn how to make these rocks/gems of comfort.
It was a really neat learning opportunity for the both of us.  Even beyond the craft project itself.

Because We Care is an ministry aimed to provide comfort to those in the hospital facing really hard stuff.  Started by a nurse that faced human suffering bravely and yet was feeling the burden and heaviness of her job.  One particular day, the family of someone she had served gifted her with a stone.  A simple and yet beautiful gift, that would over time become a source of encouragement and courage to continue to do what she did well.  

These stones don't have magical powers.  Yet they communicate a love and care for someone hurting. "I care enough to take time to create this just for you."  "I appreciate you."  "I care enough to provide you this gift even though I have never met you before."  "I care enough to offer you this to remind you of how much you are loved." "I want you to hold onto this to remind you that you matter."  "I want you to remember..."

So on this particular evening, we crafted.  We listened to stories of lives blessed and touched by such a simple gesture.  We listened to music.  We ate. We visited with old friends and made some new ones.  We prayed as we made these stones/gems, that each one crafted would be crafted especially for the recipient that would recieve it.  Some had messages. Some had designs. Some just simply said Mom. Sister. Friend. Athlete. Brother. Father. Grandpa.  Each was unique.  Never knowing what someone would be drawn to and feel connected to.  

I loved hearing the story of how "Because We Care" came into being.  How it is affecting the health care industry.  How the transformation of one old crash cart has started a ripple effect through an entire hospital and beyond our city.  How the act of comforting and caring beyond the treating of the physical condition has in turn been healing for those comforting and being comforted.  I loved hearing this precious nurse share how the nurses receive comfort just by going to the "Comfort Cart."  Their job in the ICU is especially difficult.  Sometimes they are overwhelmed by their inadequacy to do anything.  When nothing more can possibly be done humanly except be there.  They stand before the cart and in a place where they do not/must not show emotion because of the nature of their job, they are briefly connected with the grief and comfort they so desperately need themselves.  They are equipped to provide something each patient needs more than physical healing.  Love.  By loving these patients, by offering comfort and care, they in turn comfort their breaking hearts and their inadequacies.  They protect themselves from becoming a shell.  Protect themselves from shutting down all emotion out of self preservation.  Something so tiny.  So simple.  At least 4 of these could lay in the palm of my average sized, thin hand.  Small enough to slip into a pocket and not be noticeable.  

Such a beautiful reminder that it isn't only big and grand gestures that make a difference and impact, it is the simple things.  It is taking the time to care, love and comfort one another.  It is doing the one thing that you can. Maybe it is decorating a stone.  Or providing the funds to purchase materials. Or it is to offer the stone.  One thing is certain in life, we will all die.  It can't be stopped.  It may be delayed.  But there is no fixing it or stopping it.  When that moment comes, noone regrets the love, care and compassion they showed to others.  

Just an FYI...  the carts don't just offer stones.  Snacks, hats, blankets, combs and all sorts of items that could possibly meet the need of a patient or loved one while in the ICU.  Interested in learning more about this unique service being provided by local hospital nurses check it out by clicking on this link  or by clicking on the above links.