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Adili's Special Birthday

  • Author: Adili X.
  • Date Submitted: Dec 26, 2017
  • Category: Care Partner Stories

I want to do something special for my birthday, said seven-year-old Adili, to her mother.

What might a little girl think is special? A day of pampering at the American Girl Doll store? Spending the day with Mickey and Minnie at Disney? Or maybe a water park or beach day?

Well, for little Adili, her idea of a special birthday was to bring happiness to others. She spent part of her birthday delivering pink roses and get well cards to several of our patients. She picked pink roses because the color pink represents love of oneself and others.

Adili’s mother, Clinical Sleep Navigator Danieliza, explains, “I really wanted her to understand that life is not just about always getting something, it is about giving something of yourself as well. So we decided, as a part of her birthday, we would give out flowers to patients in the hospital who may not have visitors, who may be lonely, or who just need an extra lift in their day. I wanted her to understand that she and I are blessed far greater than we understand, especially in regards to our health. There are people who have very tough situations that they are dealing with on a daily basis.”

One patient who received this very special visit and rose from Adili was battling cancer. Upon receiving the gift, he recited, “stop and smell the roses,” which is a way of saying slow down, enjoy the beauty of life, the sacredness of nature, the gift of reflection, and, we believe, the gift of a healing experience.

Danieliza was not only teaching her daughter about the values that guide her life and her work, she was also fulfilling our shared mission — Healing Experiences for Everyone all the Time; our vision — Healing Families—Healing Communities; and our values — Safety, Loyalty, Integrity, Compassion, Excellence, and Stewardship.