Just before Christmas, 2-year-old Austin walked into the scariest place ever - the hospital. Even her mom and dad were afraid for little Austin. But when her daddy glimpsed a very special tree, he made a promise. Was Austin's miracle because of the doctors and nurses, or was it due to a special miracle that happened because of a promise and a very special tree?
When I realized the intention behind Austin Highsmith Garces' book, The Miracle Tree, tears filled my eyes and I felt my heart swell. Most likely, my response was because I didn't expect such compassion from a well-known, iconic actress. To say the least, I was touched by her genuine concern to help kids dealing with illnesses.
Having worked in the medical field for more than 20 years, I saw the devastation that illness, disease, trauma, and unanswered questions leaves with children and their families. Austin touches upon these fears in a way that children can better anticipate what might be ahead with hospital experiences and their own miracles.