Grace: A Child's Intimate Journey Through Cancer and Recovery
When Mom and I started out on our Hope Tour, we were excited about all of the unknowns we would be surprised with as we travel. First thing this morning, we walked from our San Antonio hotel to Christus Santa Rosa Children’s Hospital. On our way, we were delighted with a great surprise. Walking in front of us was a man with earphones that had to be playing, “Tell The World That Jesus Lives,” because he was singing it at the top of his lungs so everyone could hear. He was punching his arm in the air and loving life.
Yes. This man blessed our day with his faith; he sang with his whole heart, and it made no difference that it was off key!
The blessings continued as we met the Child Life Specialist, Jennifer, and saw the wonderful hospital. They have an amazing library with a lot of books for the kids and they even have computers in the library so families can stay in touch with loved ones by email. Another favorite part of the hospital was “The Cow.” All of their Hem/Onc patients placed their handprints on The Cow. I don’t think the impact of that will ever go away. Even their emergency room was decorated with bright, lively colors and decorations that would make any sick child feel better in some way. I am so happy to have had the opportunity to see what San Antonio has done for their children. They must love them a lot! And Jennifer, I am very, very happy to meet you!
Jennifer and the Hem/Onc Cow with Precious Handprints
Before we took off for Houston, we walked to The Alamo. (Told you I didn’t think we could leave San Antonio without going!) Some people say that it’s just some old buildings, but there is so much more if you stop to feel and not just look. What I will remember is the room where the women and children survived as The Alamo fell. I looked into that room, and it wasn’t just an old room in an old building. Real people who lived and loved and died left a big impression on me today.
I made a couple of friends at the Alamo
To top off our day today, we met a very special man and his wife. Many of you know this lovable man from the videos he so carefully, kindly, and compassionately puts together for children fighting cancer. We met John Gavin and his wife, Linda! I will share with you that John is even more lovable in person, and Linda is just the same. What a beautiful gift John has given to many of us; I am grateful for his heart for children.
Mr. John Gavin and his wife Linda with hearts bigger than the size of Texas!
Tomorrow morning, we are off to Texas Children’s Hospital and MD Anderson…
HugoHopeMobile will be buzzing around Houston tomorrow!
Melinda Marchiano 
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