What Beaumont is doing to light the holidays for hospitalized children

We're in a dark period of our nation's history, feeling our way through the blackness in search of our moral guiding light. I find myself seeking out things that will restore my hope that the world can become the world that should be.

So, every night for the past several days. I've stood outside in the dark and cold with my flashlight, and I invite you to do the same. 

Let me explain. 

The Beaumont Children's Pediatric Family Advisory Council at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak has created "Moonbeams for Sweet Dreams," a program that invites members of the community shine some light into the lives of pediatric patients during the holidays.

"At 8 p.m. every evening in December, pediatric patients will shine flashlights from the hospital windows and look for community members standing outside the hospital to flash them back" with their flashlights, the hospital's website explains.

Will shining a flashlight for five minutes solve America's problems? No. But it helps the kids and that makes me feel better. And I'm not alone.

"It gives me joy to give joy to other people," said Debbie Baker-Smith of Clawson whose daughter, sister and niece were among the 200 or so volunteers at the Moonbeams event last Saturday night. "It shows that people care." 

The program is in its second year, and volunteers are bringing more than just flashlights. Lighted signs wishing the children sweet dreams joined the flashing lights of fire engines and police cruisers from area fire departments on recent "Moonbeam" evenings. 

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"It makes me feel good to know that I'm doing something to put a smile on someone's face," said Natasha Coleman of Berkley. Coleman was joined by her daughter, whose junior varsity basketball coach at Berkley High School signed the team up to volunteer at the event. 

Everyone is welcome to volunteer, but be warned, the event is popular. Plan to arrive early to get a parking spot. Free parking is available at Beaumont's North Visitor Parking garage and an adjacent lot on Beaumont's campus. Both are accessible from the 13 Mile Road entrance.

Like they say, it's better to light a flashlight than to curse the darkness.

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