Tuesday, August 29, 2006

Our Dear Friend Peggy



I've mentioned in many of my daily posts, our friend Peggy. Although Peggy will probably have my head for this, I just have to take this opportunity to share with you all what a wonderful and amazing person she is. Peggy came into our lives about a week after Jack was discharged from the hospital as a baby - trached and vented - back in June, 1999. Peggy walked into our home to a scene she will always remember. Jack's night nurse and I were standing over Jack's crib, which was located in our living room, bagging him through a period of respiratory distress. What I didn't know at the time was that Peggy had made it very clear to the nursing agency she was working for that she didn't take care of kids on vents. Trachs, yes ... vents, no! Not a problem they told her, Jack was only on the vent at night (not exactly true). When she left that day, Peggy told me that although Jack was a really sweet baby, she probably wouldn't be back because she didn't take care of kids on vents. Well, Peggy couldn't stay away. She fell head over heels in love with Jack, and he with her and she never looked back. Peggy has been a significant part of Jack's and our lives ever since that day back in June, 1999.

Peggy has devoted at least the last 8 years of her life to caring for medically fragile children. She does this, not because she has to work, but because she has a special place in her heart for kids like ours. Peggy doesn't just come into your home and provide nursing care for your child, she embraces and cares for the entire family. She is this way with every family she has cared for. She often takes "her" kids into her home for the weekend so that mom and dad can have some respite time. She always included our family in holiday celebrations with her own family because we didn't have extended family in St. Louis. She attended my kids' First Communions, graduations and special events in lieu of my own family, who lived out of state. As difficult as it was for her to say "good-bye" to her Jack over four years ago, she made the trek with us from St. Louis to Phoenix when we moved home. She and her husband, Max, have always graciously opened their home to us when we come back to St. Louis for Jack's doctors' appointments and surgeries. Peggy was at the hospital every single day of Jack's 3 1/2 week hospital stay to allow Mark or me to get away for a few hours (and, of course, to spend time with Jack). We never could have gotten through this last month without our dear friend Peggy. She is the most unselfish and giving person I have ever known. Peggy came into our lives seven years ago as one of Jack's nurses ... today, she is not only one of Jack's (former) nurses, she is Jack's godmother and one of my very best friends. Peggy never tires of hearing about Jack and what is going on in his life. She is one of the few people I can talk to on the phone for hours about nothing else but Jack. She cares as much for him as I do. We are privileged to have a friend like Peggy in our lives. Thank you Peggy, we love you very much.

(my favorite picture of Jack and Peg when Jack was about 2 years old)

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

I have to agree with you Ann...Peggy is one very special person! She has a heart bigger than anyone I know. But I must say, you need to give some much due credit to you and Mark. You both are amazing parents who will bend over backwards to give your children whatever they need! Those 4 kids are so lucky to have you! And Jack...what a sweet boy...you have improved his life so much with, not only so much love, but also with fighting for his rights and finding the absolute best care for him! I can't imagine going through what you guys went through this past month. I know it's a long road back for all of you (in more ways than one), but you'll make it. So give yourselves a big hug from me. And I hope you find encouragement in the below verses...

Mark 9:23 If you believe, all things are possible to him who believes.

Philip. 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Philip. 1:6 (Be) confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you (and Jack) WILL complete it until the day of Jesus Christ...

Rom. 8:28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. (Remember, there is a purpose on your life and Jacks!)

With much love to you all!
Holly

Anonymous said...

Ann,

What a beautiful baby Jack was! His smile is just so adorable. I agree with you, the picture is so lovely. Peggy sounds like a wonderful human being. I love to hear that someone like her exist. Only yesterday I was telling my son that there are people like that, unselfish and so caring of others so for me to hear about Peggy is so refreshing. Ann, you too are an extraordinary person.

Martha.-

Anonymous said...

Peggy is a real gem! What would you have done with out her (or Jack for that matter)? Very nice picture! Who wouldn't fall in love with Jack?

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful post about what sounds an amazing lady. It can make all the difference having people like that in your life. I often think that one thing to come from all Katie's suffering is to know the amazing things that some people will do for you. I am so glad you have a friend like that in your life.
I am also sooooo pleased Jack is back and I hope things are back to normal soon. Sending you all lots of love.

Bea and Katie xxxx

Anonymous said...

That picture is priceless! Jack has an amazing smile.
I am so happy that you have Peggy in your life, she sounds like a wonderful person. Your family is very easy to fall in love with how could she have walked away. Ann, are an amazing person with a great concern for others, it's nice to know that what you give of yourself to so many others is given back to you in your friendship with Peggy.
Hugs
Carrie

Anonymous said...

That was an amazing tribute!

I don't think it's a stretch to say that you GET amazing support and friendship because you're willing to GIVE it in the first place.

And what an absolutely FAB pic of Jack that is!

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful person you are Peggy. I wish I had one of you in my life.
Ann I am so happy that you and Jack have such a wonderful person in your lives. I love that pic. You can see the love in their eyes.

Tess

Anonymous said...

I so do wish there were more Peggy's in the world. It would be a much better place for our children. Kudos to Peggy for taking on the challenge and arising to the occasion and then totally raising the bar. Of course Ann, when I think of you...I could say those same words about you. So what you put out into the world comes back to you...Karma!

Leslie is my Peggy and I do love, love, love her! She spent a night with Mac in the hospital this last stay and ordered me home to go get some rest.

Some day I will get the opportunity to return the wonderful care, love, patience and kindness attended to me by so many in our church, Leslie's family (who has adopted us, like Peggy adopted you). It will feel so good to put it back out there in the world. That's part of what amazes me about you Ann. You are already putting so much out there in the world and Jack requires still so much care. I tremendously blessed to know you, to know some of the "Peggy" in the world. That picture captures the love, trust and joy that Peggy and Jack share. Thanks for making my day.
Love ya gal.
Janet

Cindy said...

{{{HUGS}}} to Peggy! Thank you for all you do:-)

Anonymous said...

To Peggy, thank you for taking such wonderful care of sweet Jack and his family. It gives me comfort knowing Ann and Jack (and family) have someone like you taking care of them (and watching out for them). I hope you know how much you are appreciated! Whitney S.