This week marks my six-month anniversary at my job as the Director of Social Services at Truman W. Smith Children’s Care Center.

I love my job.

Though if you had told me five months and three weeks ago I would still be working here in November, I would have laughed, cried, thrown up, then checked myself into the psychiatric hospital.

An easy place to work, its NOT, but its exactly what I needed…. a very stressful, very overwhelming way to spend 8 hours per day where I’m so incredibly busy that I forget to eat lunch some days… its a good distraction from the world outside of this facility. Which is what I needed.

This job is truly a blessing from the Lord, and I’m so happy that I get to be a part of this amazing place. I’m really proud of the work that’s done here and that I get to be a part of it.

Today I had the opportunity to write a Success Story and I wanted to share it here. *The name has been changed…

Truman W. Smith Success Story: *Julia

Everyone at Truman W. Smith Children’s Care Center knows Julia as an adorable, lively two-year-old who keeps the staff amused and entertained. By looking at her today, one would never know the complicated medical situation she once faced. Admitted to Truman as a six-month-old, Julia had already undergone many grueling months of extensive medical care for problems that had been present since her birth.

Julia was born unable to breathe well and required immediate chest compressions and ventilation. Her heart rate was very low and her prognosis was poor. Her feeding was so weak that she required placement of a g-tube. Julia underwent various surgeries and was in and out of the hospital with illnesses, a very weak and sickly little baby with little hope of having a healthy childhood.

As soon as Julia was stabilized from all the illnesses and surgeries, she was transferred to Truman where the amazing staff loved her as if she were their own baby. Julia flourished with the care she received at Truman,

including physical and occupational therapy, speech therapy, respiratory therapy, activities with the activity director, and a diet specially ordered just for her. Most important to her recovery, though, was the abundance of love and attention she received from the staff who took a personal interest in helping this little one to thrive.

Fast-forward a year and a half, and this once weak and
sickly infant is a happy, healthy, well-nourished toddler who is reaching
milestones, running, playing, eating, communicating, and by most appearances doing everything a two-year-old should do. She’s been weaned from the vent and the g-tube and no longer requires therapy.

It’s with mixed emotions that Truman is now preparing for Julia to return home to her parents. While each staff person who has come to know and love Julia will miss her terribly after she leaves, they can honestly say that they are happy to see little Julia have the opportunity to return to her family and to have had a hand in helping her live a “normal” life outside of an institution. Julia is truly a picture of the success made possible by the amazing staff of Truman W. Smith.