Red Dirt Diaries: The Magic Of Markers

A nurse in OU Children’s Hospital’s Pediatric Intensive Care Unit is making a bond with patients and their parents through dry erase markers.

“When I was a senior in high school I won a blue ribbon at the county fair for a painting I had done,” said Nurse Laura Sweeney.

Her canvas, these days, is the window outside a patient’s room. That’s where she free hands images.

“I started asking parents about what their kids’ favorite movie was or what their nursery at home was like and I would draw on their window for them,” said Sweeney.

The nurse has drawn all sorts of cartoon characters and superheroes.

Her artwork includes the Ninja Turtles, the Incredible Hulk, Mickey Mouse and even Michael Jackson from his “Thriller” video.

She started drawing on the walls about a year ago and has drawn around 100 images.

"It gives you hope,” said Kristin Pursley.

Pursley’s daughter Montana has been in the PICU since September. Montana has had several pictures on her wall, including Nemo and the Little Mermaid.

This week, Pursley learned that keeping hope has paid off. Montana is expected to be released from PICU this week.

“It’s really fun to see the families light up and get excited to see what I can bring alive with just dry erase markers,” added Sweeney.