A Tribute

We say it over and over how absolutely impressed we are with Ellie’s strength and resilience since the day her diagnosis was made. It astounds us on a daily basis. She rarely, if ever, complains about being in the hospital or missing her home, friends, and normal activities on the”outside”. She might delay when taking her medications or stall and urge us to wait, when certain procedures have to be done. But she always does what is required to get better.  And not only her, but all the other children on the ward that we have come to know. They are so courageous and resilient. 
And following that, I am also continually inspired by all the parents and carers of children with cancer or chronic or terminal illness. I was inspired to write this poem when Ellie was in Phase 2 of treatment and it’s an acknowledgement to these parents. 

                          We Are Warriors

We are warriors. 
We parents,
Who walk through these halls 
day in and day out.

As the sun rises and sets, as the nurses and medical teams come and go,
as the calendar ticks by days, weeks, months and years, 
We sit by our babies’ sides and will them to get better, to stay strong and brave.

Holidays, birthdays, and family achievements celebrated “on the ward”,
via FaceTime and Zoom, 
or maybe not at all.

We are nearly bursting with fear, grief and sadness,
But we hold it in, we hide it. 
Most of the time.

We are also bursting with awe, admiration, love, and inspiration, from the bravery, strength and resilience of our children. 
And we tell our children. 
All of the time.

We look into each other’s eyes as we pass through these halls,
meet in the kitchen to make a cup of tea or toast. 
We all have different journeys, but we are there for 
each other.

A shoulder to lean on,
cry on,  
laugh with, 
talk with. 
We understand.

We parents, who walk through these halls,
we are warriors too.