Nana's Box Feature: Abby

In March of 2008 I suddenly became deathly ill with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. Within a few days in the hospital I was placed in a drug induced coma and breathing with a ventilator. I had just turned thirty and I was fighting for my life.

While I was in the ICU my family and I received a Nana’s Box from Angie. The box was filled with photos of my family and I doing what we loved. It also included many inspirational phrases and images. This gift was invaluable to my family while I was intubated. They would often look through the box and share the photos with me. It was touching for my loved ones to remember me before I was lying unconscious and to think about the joy in our lives together.

(Abby's box)

Once I could breathe again on my own, I was taken off of life support and began healing. It was horrendously difficult and upsetting to realize what had happened and it left me in a very confused state. ICU psychosis took hold of my brain for many days, I was unsure of who I was and what I would become. I used my Nana’s Box to remember my life before my illness and helped me find strength to keep going. Multiple times a day I would flip through the box staring at photos of my daughter and images of Christ. The moments I spent with my Nana’s box filled me with hope and comfort and provided moment of peace.

After the worst of my illness had passed and I was sent home, I kept my Nana’s box near. I showed the box to all who visited and it served as a reminder of the love of my family and my Savior. My Nana’s box is one of the most precious gifts I have received during the most trying time of my life. I am grateful for a simple gesture that surprisingly helped me to remember who I am and guided my healing.

To read more about Abby and her story visit her blog: Drawing for ARDS