Miss Yvonne and a brave little girl.

Many of you know this, but Faith was diagnosed with anemia about two weeks ago. We started giving her iron supplements twice a day at that time. We also upped our consumption of red meat, leafy green veggies, etc. Today we had another appointment with our pediatrician to re-check her iron levels. The hope and expectation was that her levels would have increased since she has taken the supplements for two weeks now. Unfortunately, that was not the case. Her levels were actually lower.

As you might imagine, our perceptive three year old was not too thrilled about getting her finger poked in the first place. As we were talking on the way to the doctor's office, she calmly and matter-of-factly told me, "Mommy, I don't want any shots today." I explained that her finger would need to be poked like last time, but that it just hurt for a little bit. After the nurse checked us into our room at the pediatrician's office, Faith again stated, "But, Mommy, I TOLD you, I don't want to get any shots!" She then preceded to calmly hide her hands behind her back. Thankfully, when the nurse asked for her finger, Faith somewhat reluctantly agreed.

So then, with the lower levels, we were sent to get blood drawn at the hospital. At this point, Mommy was fighting back tears. I logically knew that it is probably something manageable, and that God will take care of us. But, no one wants to hear that their baby girl isn't doing well. So, Mommy, Faith and Lainie head to the hospital. I am praying most of the way there that God would just make the ordeal not too stressful, that Lainie would not be too fussy (as she had officially missed her morning nap), that Faith would handle blood being drawn and that Mommy could hold it together too. I thought many times how nice it would be to have a grandparent or aunt close enough to call at the last minute and ask to come with us.

We checked in to get blood drawn and found a seat next to a sweet, older woman-Miss Yvonne. Through the course of our wait, we got to know this woman. I asked if she could watch our things real quick so I could take the girls to the bathroom and change Lainie's diaper, and she gladly did it. When we came back, she was sitting with Faith's princess book and asked if she could read it to Faith. Faith was thrilled! She read most of the book, then Faith showed her how to use her Tag Reader Pen with it too. So, Faith and Yvonne sat reading for the next 15 minutes until our names where called. Faith told Miss Yvonne thank you and gave her a big, strong hug.

Faith was so brave when her blood was being drawn. She cried at first, but calmed down as the vial was filled. She did a great job (and Mommy didn't pass out either :) )! As we were leaving, Miss Yvonne called us over and told Faith that she was so brave. She then gave her and Lainie $5 for treats! Miss Yvonne told Faith, "When we do something really good and brave, I think we should get a treat, don't you?"

During our earlier conversation, I asked Miss Yvonne if she had grandchildren. She shared that she did not have children or grandchildren. Well, Miss Yvonne, today for an hour or so, you were the grandma and aunt we needed, and a wonderful answer to prayer. I left the hospital with an overwhelming feeling of God's wonderful provision and care for our family. That He knows just what we need, when we need it, and He is gracious and loving to provide. So, as the babies sleep, this Mommy is saying a prayer of thanks for Miss Yvonne and a very brave little girl.