Despite too much sake and not enough sleep the night before, the unrelenting daylight peeked through the window and woke me at my normal rising hour: 5:30 am. But today was different – this was the day that we would see the results of the team’s work.
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| The team pauses for a photo before the post-op clinic starts |
Arriving at the hospital, we quickly went to work setting up a post-operative clinic in the main lobby of the hospital. Already there were a few parents there wanting to be among the first in line to have their children checked and to say thank you again to the team. I was told that turnout for the post-op clinic is typically low – about 50% show up even though we ask them all to come.
I’d barely gotten my files and computer out when I looked up to see Ryene and his mother coming in my direction. Yay! I’d get to see my little friend one more time!! As he approached I took him in a big bear hug and told him how handsome he was. He seemed pleased. This little guy doesn’t say a lot but communicates a ton. We took some pictures and while I set up my desk and took out the gifts I’d brought for the children he watched intently. Of course, he got the first of my goodies: a watch with a puzzle in it, a rubber bouncing ball, a magnifying glass, a yo-yo, and a coloring book and crayons. While happy with the gifts he seemed content to perch halfway on my lap while I set up the computer and printer.
Suddenly it was 8 am and clinic was starting. I told Ryene that I had to work and quickly checked him in for his check-ups followed by 63 other patients and their guardians, mostly parents. Each was doled out some trinket and a smile: bracelets, beads, more watches that also served as rattles for the babies, crayons, yo-yos, coloring books, and more. I was glad that my $100 shopping spree at home went so far to make them happy.
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| A happy family asks for a photo with their son and Ryene squeezes in -- not willing to let anyone else claim me |
More than what I handed out as I checked them in was what each gave me while passing my station – what a priceless gift to see the incredible transformations and hear the thank yous. Most of the children were happy too but a few were still wary of the same white people who poked and prodded them days before. So of course there were more crying kids. But, wow what a sight to behold. So many lives changed for the better. Of our 66 surgical patients over the past week only two did not return today – that was an unbelievable turnout.
Towards the end of my admitting work, Ryene came back after his check-up to supervise my work. I continued with him more or less on my lap. Finally, his mother came over to get him. It was time for him to go. He argued with her; he didn’t want to leave. I cry now thinking about it again. It was hard to say goodbye knowing I’ll probably never see him again. But, I’m grateful to have forged such a bond with a complete stranger in a matter of days – to have him trust me to lead him safely to his surgery, hold him and comfort him, and to reward me with his presence and friendship afterwards. But again, there were more patients eagerly awaiting an energetic smile and confirmation of how wonderful their sons or daughters looked, so I hugged him tight and told him to be a good boy; to listen to his mama. Yes? He nodded and started to cry. His mother then stepped behind my desk, looked into my eyes and said “thank you so much” as she leaned for a hug and asked me for my address. I told her that she has a special son and I was glad he was my friend. A lot was communicated again with few words and holding each other's hands tightly.
Cameras were going off everywhere. The surgeons, pediatricians, anesthesiologists, and dentists moved them all quickly through the process, offering final instructions for aftercare, a few of them receiving ointments and other simple treatments to aid the continuing healing process. I couldn’t have been more proud watching them all unless I’d done the surgical work myself. This truly what it was all about.
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| The medical staff finish their post-op check ups and await any final patients. The relaxed poses demonstrate the success on everyone's minds -- the hard work is over. |
While we all rejoiced in the success, I had a few moments of pause about the little friends I’d made throughout the week. Where would life take them? Who would they become? I hope in my heart of hearts that this hand-up with surgery leads them down a road that improves their lives. Education. A better job. A happy marriage. Children of their own brought into circumstances better than they started with. That will be my prayer for these kids. That what we did will continue to give them more and better.
The families hung around for a while taking pictures of us, visiting amongst each other, almost like they weren’t ready for it to be over either. But it was. We packed up our remaining boxes. Our work here was finished.
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| Final picture with my special little friend Ryene... and then a very difficult goodbye. |
Wow! :)
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