“I’m scared,” Quinnlin said nearly three years ago, when she learned the date of her kidney transplant. She’d seen her brother go through kidney failure, dialysis and kidney transplant. She had witnessed him go through life-saving surgeries and had seen the emotional fallout and the impact of those experiences, so it was an easy decision for her parents to start Quinnlin in play therapy.
Play therapy is geared towards children going through trauma, and Quinnlin was excited to “play” in the room. She worked through a lot of her fears about kidney transplant and the therapist guided her through play in a safe environment that would let her talk about the scary things she was facing. The process of play therapy allowed Quinnlin to talk to her parents too.
Play therapy has evolved for Quinnlin. This past summer when someone heard her talking asked her where she was from, mistaking her speech issues for an accent, she got upset when the woman couldn’t understand her answer (“I’m from right here!”) and she waved her fist at the woman. The woman proceeded to tell her and everyone around her that she was sure a “kid like that” would grow up to be a criminal, citing her lack of respect for adults. In play therapy, Quinnlin worked through how hurt she felt, discussed the “invisible” disability that so many people have and how next time handling the situation differently was a move in a positive direction.
Since the first post about Champerina, Quinnlin has had multiple doctor appointments, nearly two weeks out of school for illnesses, three ER visits and several lab visits for blood draws with Champerina. That’s a lot to deal with for anyone but for a child there’s so much to deal with about having to endure so much medical intervention. A lot of the discussions with her current play therapist, Leigh Harris (just about to confirm her Masters and L.A.P.C), have to do with Quinnlin’s emotions. Is she happy, sad, scared or mad, and what are the reasons she feels those emotions? Champerina helps make those hard discussions easier and has gone to therapy with Quinnlin. Having a friend with you when you’re talking about the hard stuff helps, and in play therapy the friend can do the “talking” for you.
Being different can be hard for anyone, especially a child coming into her own. Quinnlin is at an age (10) where she is noticing her differences more and so are other people. She’s learning how to deal with that so she stands up for herself; learning how to communicate with people who treat her badly or have something to say about her differences.
To Quinnlin, Champerina is the friend who always supports, listens and is there when is needed, through the good and bad (and ugly). For a child with special needs the friendship of a bear like Champerina can make getting through the rough spots a little bit easier and that is certainly true for Quinnlin.
Champerina’s friendship never fails.
- Julia Roberts, Quinnlin and Champerina’s mom
April 20th, 2012 at 6:04 am
Oh Quinn….I hope that therapy is helping you recognize that your differences are what makes you so precious and beautiful! I am glad that you are finding ways to express yourself and friends (champerina) to do it to!
April 24th, 2012 at 9:58 am
She does love that Champerina goes with her!
April 20th, 2012 at 12:58 pm
Oh, my Quinnie darling. I’m definitely not opposed to her raising a fist in protest. That instinct will serve her well.
April 24th, 2012 at 9:58 am
It was good to stand up for herself but I would have liked to get involved in that altercation sooner!
April 20th, 2012 at 2:07 pm
So touching. Max at 12 is starting to not want to talk about his kidneys in front of his friends. He recently had state tests and because of his 504 they put him in the library with the children with IEPs. He was so upset because his friends asked where he was. It’s hard to be different.
April 24th, 2012 at 9:59 am
It is hard to be different!
April 20th, 2012 at 11:08 pm
I love that Quinnlinn has such a wonderful buddy!
April 24th, 2012 at 10:00 am
We’re happy about it too!
April 24th, 2012 at 12:02 am
it is hard dealing with all these adult type situations with children. If i can wish it away I would. I know a little bit of the pain and hope you can take your kids place. my daughter (gabby) has seizures and has had to be poked and it doesn’t get easy, But she is a trooper she has a speech problem and can’t communicate, as well. She is 14. and Gabby is a funny sweet girl who loves to dance and sing.
April 24th, 2012 at 10:01 am
Your Gabby sounds like a beautiful girl. It is hard to have medical needs that lead to differences others notice and in some ways tougher still that people don’t understand that upon first glance of a lot of kids, and making it easier for them to be compassionate.
April 24th, 2012 at 2:52 pm
OHMYGOSH the picture of them sleeping is so sweet, it’s nice to have a cuddly friend. Quinn is one brave girl. Hugs.
April 24th, 2012 at 7:58 pm
She does love to give a good hug!
May 13th, 2012 at 1:46 am
It is good to have REAL friends!!!!!!!
May 13th, 2012 at 9:08 am
Hang in there, Momma, you’re doing a wonderful job!
June 13th, 2012 at 7:01 am
[...] journey. She has comforted Quinnlin in the hospital, she has been to the doctor, and she has helped Quinnlin cope in play therapy. One of the most important things Champerina gives is the gift of [...]