What I Think About at 3 A.M.

Since recently returning from maternity leave, I’ve found myself thinking often about the families we serve during the many nights I spend awake with my new son, Shepherd, in the quiet early morning hours.

Becoming a mother of two, with Shepherd and our older daughter, Sunny, has reminded me how quickly the demands of caring for a family can multiply. When I lie awake around 3 a.m., I think about the parents and caregivers whose nights are interrupted not only during a season with a newborn, but often for years because of their child’s complex medical needs.

Most of us understand how difficult it can be to function after even one restless night. A 2026 study of children with severe medical complexity receiving pediatric palliative care found that 87% experienced nighttime awakenings. Their caregivers reported losing a median of two hours of sleep every night while tending to their child’s needs.

Two hours, night after night, adds up to so much more than lost sleep. It can mean moving through each day without the opportunity to fully rest, recharge, spend uninterrupted time with other children, or simply take a breath.

That’s why it is so important for families to have a break from round-the-clock caregiving.

During a stay at Ryan House, parents and caregivers can step away knowing their child is receiving expert, loving care in a safe, homelike environment. While families rest or reconnect, their child can enjoy experiences such as creating art, spending time in the sensory room, or playing in the pool, along with many other activities they may not have the opportunity to experience anywhere else.

That peace of mind allows families to truly rest, knowing their child is safe, cared for, and having meaningful experiences of their own.

This season in my life has brought the realities of 24/7 caregiving into even sharper focus. It has also reminded me how meaningful it is to give families something they rarely receive — permission and time to exhale.

Your gift makes that possible. Please consider donating today so we can continue providing children and families with the care, compassion, and much-needed breaks they deserve.

With gratitude,
Josie Anderson                                           
Pediatric Team Leader