Dear Journal,
Mom woke me up early, just like she always does on workdays. She helped me get dressed, we brushed my teeth, and then we headed to the car. I was so excited because today was YCP day! YCP (Your Child’s Place) is where I go while Mom is at work and Dad is in college. I get to see my favorite nurses and spend the day playing with my friends.
After a short drive, we arrived at YCP. Mom signed me in and walked me to my classroom to talk with the nurses. One nurse checked my vitals. It was quick and easy, with no ouchies! Then the childcare aide made me breakfast. Today it was pancakes and fruit…my favorite! While I ate, another friend arrived. She uses a communication device to talk, and I love hearing it laugh.
After breakfast, my nurse gave me medicine through my stomach tube and updated my chart to make sure everything was documented. Then it was time for art! With a little help, I painted a paper plate bright red before heading next door to the CHP Child Therapy Center. Ms. Sarah, my physical therapist, helped me climb, balance, and play. She told me how much stronger I’ve become over the past few weeks and gave me a sticker for working so hard before walking me back to YCP.
By the time I returned, even more of my friends had arrived. We played a game called “Uppy Uppy,” taking turns keeping a balloon in the air. It made everyone laugh, even our nurses!
Soon it was lunchtime. Our friends at Rainbow’s End prepared a hot lunch for us every day. Today we had lasagna, bread, and salad. Some of my friends ate independently, while others received their meals through feeding tubes. My feeding tube is just for medicine and extra water when I need it. I love that each of my friends is unique.
After lunch, it was quiet time. I don’t always feel like taking a nap, so I usually relax in my medical-grade crib and look through a book. Sometimes, after such a fun morning, I end up falling asleep anyway.
Then it was snack time. Blueberries are one of our favorites! My nurse brought back the paper plate I painted earlier, and together we turned it into a bright red crab. I couldn’t wait to show Mom because she loves the beach.
The rest of the afternoon was filled with pretend play. My friends and I ran an imaginary ice cream shop, taking orders from the nurses and serving scoops that never melted. Before long, parents started arriving for pickup, and one by one, my friends headed home.
Then I heard someone call my name.
It was Mom!
I couldn’t wait to tell her all about my day: my therapy session, my crab craft, “Uppy Uppy,” and all the fun I had with my friends.
I can’t wait to come back tomorrow! 💜