Heart, Hugs, Kisses, and Flowers!

It was January 4th, 2025. The year had just begun, and we were hoping for things to be different than the year before. We were hoping for seizure stability and a clearer plan of care when it came to Griffin’s epilepsy. However, that wasn’t the case.

Throughout the previous week, Griffin had already experienced three seizures lasting over 20 minutes, and this evening marked the fourth. It was time—time to take another ambulance ride to the hospital and try to get a better handle on Griffin’s seizures. It was a hard choice to make; no one likes being in the hospital or away from home. We ended up spending 11 hours in the ED, waiting for a room on Unit 8 at Children’s Minnesota Hospital - Minneapolis. At this point, we were unsure if we were making the right decision, exhausted both mentally and physically, and already longing for home.

However, when we rolled up onto Unit 8, we were met with a bit of hope and comfort as we heard some familiar voices shout, “HHKF, Griffin!” and offer him such a sweet welcome. The nurses on this unit are beyond amazing and have always taken such good care of our sweet boy.

HHK has long been a saying in our household. Going back to when Mia was in kindergarten, she struggled with leaving for school. Each day, I would draw something on her forearm as a reminder that we were thinking about her and loved her while she was gone. Sometimes it was a heart, a smiley face, a star, etc. As she got older, it became more of a saying for everyone in the house. It changed from time to time, but “hearts, hugs, and kisses” seemed to stick. It became a special term of endearment for us all—a sweet, simple, and quick goodbye.

Then, in April 2024, while in the hospital, Mia was saying goodbye to Griffin at the end of her visit. As she walked out the door, she shouted, “Hearts, hugs, and kisses!”. Then in true Griffin fashion, he yelled back, “And flowers!” If you know our kids, you know they don’t have quiet voices, no matter how hard you try to teach them. So this exchange of goodbyes was heard by everyone! The staff, however, loved it.

Since then, as we’ve unfortunately spent more time in the hospital, we have often been greeted with a warm HHKF welcome. The nurses insist that the flowers must remain part of the phrase. As parents of a medically complicated child, this simple act speaks volumes about the nurses who care for Griffin. Just remembering him, knowing him, and making him—and our family—feel comforted in an uncomfortable place means more to us than they will ever know.

This unique phrase has become a staple in our household, not only among our immediate family but also with extended family and friends. It brings us joy to hear and comfort in knowing we said a sweet goodbye.

So here we are, wanting to share this simple message of love during the month of love! We hope that this clothing line serves as a reminder that something as small as saying “HHK” or “HHKF” can make a big difference in someone’s day. Help us spread joy, love, comfort, and hope to those around us!