This Christmas marks 15 years since my life was forever changed by the kindness and selflessness of others. As you’ll read below, my younger daughter, Katie, was hospitalized on Christmas Eve 2001. A situation that then seemed tragic revealed to our family an awesome and inspiring spirit.

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(Printed in the Jan. 19, 2002, edition of The Press)

For years, I have read letters to the editor sent to the local papers by area residents thanking hospital staff and emergency personnel for the excellent care they received. Those kind words would make me smile, though I’d never been in that situation.

That is until Christmas Eve, when my 18-month-old daughter was rushed to the emergency room.

Now, it’s my turn to offer my gratitude to the staff of Lehigh Valley Hospital ER and the pediatric unit, where my family stayed for five days.

On the morning of Dec. 24, Katie awoke with what I thought was a cold. She had just those symptoms and, after a phone conversation with her doctor, was given an over-the-counter medicine to make her feel better over the holiday.

Within the next few hours, her “cold” grew terribly worse and her breathing labored. Another call to the doctor’s office instructed us to begin treatments with the nebulizer to open her bronchial tubes and restore her breathing.

Just two hours later, I drove her to the ER on Cedar Crest Boulevard, after consulting again with her doctor, because she was trance-like and breathing very rapidly. Her pediatricians acted very quickly, and I am thankful for their instructions.

Katie was diagnosed with bronchitis and RSV, a respiratory virus that can be fatal, and was admitted to the hospital for treatment. It was here that we would remain until Dec. 29.

This was Christmas Eve. My husband had stayed home with our 4-year-old daughter, and I knew by this point that I would not see Rebecca open her gifts in the morning. At midnight, I remember whispering “Merry Christmas” to Katie, who was sleeping in my arms. I also remember crying, believing that this was perhaps the worst experience ever for me and my family.

Katie was soon in her hospital crib, connected to oxygen, intravenous and monitors of all kinds. I never moved from her side, afraid that something worse would happen if I did. I sat there, feeling sorry for her, myself, all of us.

But that was not to be. Santa arrived with a “Ho! Ho! Ho!” at 9 a.m. Christmas morning, bearing gifts for Katie - and even for Rebecca! The nurses sported red and white Santa hats and spread a contagious jolly spirit to everyone.

Every hour, more gifts arrived. Musical toys, finger puppets, coloring books and crayons. And each time, I cried, so grateful to these “elves” for allowing me to see some good in this day.

Families came with candy, homemade goodies, hugs and words of encouragement. Not people we knew, but Good Samaritans who took time out from their holiday at home to offer hope and share some holiday cheer.

This truly continued throughout the entire day. When I did leave Katie’s room, after urging from my husband and parents, I saw what looked like Santa’s workshop. The pediatric unit was completely decorated - Christmas trees and multi-colored lights everywhere. And all the patients’ doors were wrapped in holiday paper with seasonal messages.

To the staff of LVH: You are an inspiration to me and my family, and I am filled with such overwhelming emotion that I find it hard to stop thinking of all you did for us and what I could ever do to thank you.

Christmas was very different this year, to be sure. Katie and I saw Christmas morning from a hospital window. I watched Rebecca open her presents via a videotape, thanks to her daddy’s quick thinking. And I felt sorrow on a day that I am usually filled with great gladness.

But, thanks to all of you, Christmas was different in a good way, too. You taught us to find strength from within, to be grateful for what we have and to make the most of every day, whether it appears to be a good one or a bad one.

Don’t take this personally, but I hope we don’t cross paths anytime soon. We will, however, see you on Christmas Day, for the Lutterschmidt family will come bearing gifts. It will be our pleasure to spread some hope and kind words to your 2002 holiday guests.

Thank you again and God bless.

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After this editorial and photo were first printed, in January 2002, the Santa who visited Katie that Christmas day came to The Press office to introduce himself. Ronald Snyder, of Orefield, was experiencing his own sadness after the death of his wife. His decision to spend the holiday in the company of others and spread some cheer when he himself was trying to find it inspires me even 15 years later.

Wishing you and yours the most joyous of holiday seasons.

Kelly Lutterschmidt

editor

Catasauqua Press

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