The strength and character of a mother are usually tested during difficult times. But for Shelbey Skiles, seeing her precious daughter fighting for her life at the hospital every day was too much. Thankfully, “Jesus” was there all throughout the ordeal.
Shelby Skiles’ world collapsed when they received the news that their 2-year-old girl had a softball-sized mass in her chest. Shelby, along with her mother, husband, and some friends, created a special Facebook page for little Sophie entitled Sophie the Brave.
The little girl was in and out of the hospital for quite some time and all throughout the difficulty, many people helped Shelby and Sophie through prayers.
She was positive to note that despite her family’s difficulty, her faith in God remained intact and they all continued to hope for the best. It was during the hardest moments that she began to see the presence of Jesus never leaving them.
According to her, she soon realized that she could not have made it through if not for the care and dedication that the station nurses gave. She recalled how they were so patient in dealing with Sophie’s fragile condition as well as the humility they show in saying “I’m sorry.”
The mother encapsulated all of her gratitude towards nurses in a letter for nurses, which she then posted online. The letter has gone viral and it touched so many hearts from across the globe. Here’s the letter of love penned by Shelby.
https://www.facebook.com/sophiethebrave/posts/764613790390645
“Dear Peds Nurses,(And incredible nurse techs!)I see you. I sit on this couch all day long and, I see you. You try so hard to be unnoticed by me and my child. I see your face drop a little when she sees you and cries. You try so many ways to ease her fears and win her over. I see you hesitate to stick her or pull bandaids off. You say ‘No owies’ and ‘I’m sorry’ more times in one day than most people say ‘thank you’. I see all of those rubber bracelets on your arms and wrapped around your stethoscope, each one for a child that you’ve cared for and loved. I see you carrying arm loads of medicine and supplies into one child’s room all while your phone is ringing in your pocket from the room of another. I see you put on gloves and a mask and try not to make too much noise at night. I see you sorting piles of beads so you can give them to your patient to add to their ever growing milestone necklace. I see you stroke her little bald head and tuck her covers around her tightly. I see you holding the crying mom that got bad news. I see you trying to chart on the computer while holding the baby whose mom can’t-or won’t be at the hospital with her. You put aside what’s happening in your life for 12 hours straight to care for very sick and something’s dying children. You go into each room with a smile no matter what’s happening in there. You see Sophie’s name on the schedule and come to check on us even when she isn’t your patient. You call the doctor, blood bank, and pharmacy as many times as necessary to get my child what she needs in a timely manner. You check on me as often as you check on her. You sit and listen to me ramble for 10 minutes even though your phone is buzzing and your to do list is a mile long. I see you using your phone as a template to paint the perfect cartoon character on the new kid’s window. I see you cheering so enthusiastically for the kid taking laps around the nurses station. I see you with that Nerf gun hiding from the kid around the corner. I see you hold tiny hands, change dirty sheets, translate medical talk for parents, and wipe your eyes coming out of a particularly hard room. I see you put on gloves, masks, and a gown then pause before you hang an IV bag of poison chemo for my kid.I see you. We all see you. No amount of snack baskets or cards can fully express how appreciated you are. You are Jesus to us every single day. Our children wouldn’t get what they need without you. Moms like me wouldn’t feel sane or heard without you. You save our babies and we couldn’t do this without you. Love, A mom that sees all you do and loves you dearly for it.**** Edit****Due to the amount of attention this post has generated I felt the need to add that ANY negative or remotely ‘catty’ comments or threads will be deleted immediately.”
Little Sophie returned to heaven after 5 months of battling cancer. Though in the darkest valley of life, Shelbey still holds onto her faith and wants to share Jesus with everyone.