Happiness Is...

A lot of times, we take for granted the things that we have, even if they are things gone wrong. I mean, one look at the First World Problems meme and it is immediately apparent that while it might be a major concern for us, it might be trivial compared to what others are going through. Now this isn't to demean the struggles of others at all. It is just to say that sometimes I forget this simple truth. Getting caught up in all of the struggles that might come up personally, I forget that there are vastly worse situations I could be in and worse struggles that I could face. This point is why it was such a pleasure to take place in a hospital visit this week. I was able to team up with a group of other heroes, some imaginary and others the real life deal (Thank you for your service!), and use that group in order to provide happiness and a smile to children.

Thanks to the generosity of Children's Mercy Hospital, members of KC Cosplay and Photography, artist Darryl Woods, members of the military, as well as a few Stormtroopers with an R2 unit were invited by Jessica Meditz-Porter to visit with a few of the inpatient children at the hospital. We arrived and got a room all set up to have a meet and greet with the children that were able to come to the room. After we got to meet with a few amazing children and their families, we got to go to the floor and visit with some of the children who were unable to leave their rooms. The group split into two groups at this point. One group to go talk to the teenagers, the other to go chat with the younger patients. I was chosen to go with the younger children, which led to the activity room.

In the activity room, we got to color mustaches and paper with a few of the children, while Darryl drew pictures for them. Then we got to visit a few patient rooms! Having the pleasure to make a kid's 12th birthday special was a major highlight of the day. While it was a bit bittersweet, as it is heartbreaking to see a child stuck in a hospital bed to celebrate their birthday, it was amazing to be capable of providing that smile. The happiness of seeing a group of your favorite heroes walk into your room and wish you happy birthday would be awesome. To be a part of providing that experience was beyond words.

Many of the children there are going to be there for a while. They have been provided with things to help them pass the time, such as a Wii or DVD player. So taking the good things in my life for granted is just that bit tougher. While my love for doing this cosplay thing is made just that much stronger.

Happiness is being a part of something that makes the lives of others better. That is my happiness.

Until next time, dear reader.

Polaroids for the kids!