the additional highlights

since my last entry, here are some additional highlights from the day...i'm selfishly blogging them so i don't forget...

seeing families sit around the huge christmas tree in the lobby and exchange gifts with their loved ones, including their loved one who is here in the hospital. several patients were able to come down from their rooms in wheelchairs and one was even in her hospital bed with all her machines in tow. an empty seat was hard to come by, and the sounds of laughter and children ripping packages open filled the wide open space.

accepting a homemade tamale from my favorite housekeeping friend, elvia. she wanted to share her christmas meal with me. it was hard to accept such a precious gift and have nothing to give in return, yet i am thankful.

chatting with sweet girls (probably 3 and 4) dressed up in thier new pink ruffled skirts, carrying 3 of their favorite christmas gifts each, on their way to see papaw. once we got in the elevator one said, "it smells likes doctors in here. are you a doctor?" laughing, i said, "no, i'm not a doctor." "are you a nurse?" "no, i'm a chaplain." the younger one said, "you're a chocolate?" "no, i'm a chaplain. do you know what that is?" "no." "have you ever been to church?" "yes." "i'm kind of like a pastor or a minister at your church." just then the elevator opened and she was off...she may still think i'm a chocolate.

only a little over an hour to go before i head to austin to see my family...another highlight indeed.