Eighteen-month-old Kristen Hoenshell has a rare and aggressive form of cancer. What began as a tumor behind her eye has led to surgery and 38 weeks of weekly visits to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, where she receives powerful doses of chemotherapy that leave her weak and occasionally sick.
Yesterday, when she showed up for another round of treatment, she was greeted by something special. As her cousin Megan Souza pointed out the window of a third-floor walkway, ironworkers perched on the sixth floor of a partially constructed building nearby hoisted a massive I-beam into place. It was emblazoned, in bright pink spray paint, with Kristen's name.
Every once in a while, I come across something that gives me hope for our nation. This is one of those somethings. Each one of those workers gains nothing from this action other than the warm feeling of knowing that they helped a sick kid feel a little better. They're not looking for the 15 minutes of fame; they're not gaming the system; they're just taking a few moments out of their day to do something to help others.
Every child who looks out that window and sees their name on a girder will know that they will be a part of that building - that their names will be associated with another edifice dedicated to helping others, like them, get better. They'll experience the fleeting thrill of fame, basking in the Krylon glow of their name on the girder. For a brief moment, they can forget their pain and their struggle and just be little kids in awe of seeing their name writ large.
I hope I never, ever have to see my kids' names on a girder. I hope and pray with every fiber of my being that The Boy and BabyGirl G will outlive me by many happy years, living to see their own children and grandchildren grow and prosper. But if the unthinkable should happen, I'd be eternally grateful for the kindness of strangers as shown by these ironworkers.
Good job, guys. Good job.
That is all.
4 comments:
That's some good stuff there... I love it.
"that their names will be associated with another edifice dedicated to helping others, like them, get better"
It brings tears to my eyes. What a wonderful thing they've done. Right on, Guys!
Am I the only one who immediately made the link between the pink spraypaint and the fact that the steeelworkers have been gay since the 80s?
(hope you get the reference, 4F11 / ep168)
Srsly good post. I spent many weeks chauferring such a trip.
Wow. That actually made my eyes water a little.
Here's another one to make you feel better about our future
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