So, today once again they have allowed me to cover peds. We had 4 new patients come aboard for surgery. All have major fractures that are stabilized with metal rods/equipment. I am amazed at how well they do after the surgery. They will be transported back to the mainland for follow-up care. Also, today, one of our kids left for Miami for future care. Today I had the opportunity to meet Dr Lindsey, a plastics?ENT surgeon. Her dad is a friend of my brother-in-law & we had a great chat. Her work on these children, on their faces is beautiful...she is reconstructing noses, cheeks, eyes- she is a true angel.
The weather has been hot & a few times a day, I go above onto the deck & enjoy some air & sunshine. I think we are going out to sea on Sunday- there was a delay until the Navy made sure that the Haitians understood what was going on for re-supplying & that in fact we plan on returning with the ship & their people who are on the ship. The Navy seems to be aware of the importance of demonstarting good will & not exerting their will for the country. I continue to practice my French. I will never get the hang of Creole.
I will leave you with a small story. Last eve, I made rounds to make sure that the kids had pain med orders, IV fluids, and anything else to try to make them happy. The ;last child I visited - when I asked is there anything else I can do for him tonite, he replied "Yes- I need a house". Well- needless to say, that was a low point for me.
Todays a new day & we continue to work on making a difference for the children of Haiti.
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Hi Kath- the snow if finally melting here. Even saw some patches of grass. I can't keep my window birdfeeder stocked with all the activity around it. Today there is a beautiful male and female cardinal, a crazy turtle dove a robin and some other small bird. I have a squirel trying to leap onto the window...SPLAT!! he just keeps trying. Maybe by the time you get home the snow will be gone and spring will be around the corner.
ReplyDeleteTake care of yourself, especially the spirit.
Dee
Bonjour Kathy,
ReplyDeleteComment ca va? I am so glad that you are getting a chance to speak French! All of that practice that you had last year with Serge and Nancy has paid off. I really enjoy reading your blog and getting updates on your activities and experiences, so keep writing. Each day you are making a difference. I wish that I could be there too. Bien a toi, Helen
Hi Kath,
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for sharing your experience with us. It is both inspiring and sad, and wonderful that you are there contributing to the inspiration and healing the sadness. Be safe and know you are in grace. Miss you at the gym!
Love,
Cath
Hey, Kathy, hang in there! Patients are asking about you and wishing you well!
ReplyDeleteMike
Hello again! Well it sounds like you have your work cut out for you, but since we all know you are always up to a challenge, I know it's a cinch for you! I know Linda is an awesome cook, and i sure could teach those patients of yours some English....oh if there were only room on the boat for us too! I know those kids are sure lucky to have you taking care of them...what a blessing! Take good care, and keep those spirits up! Love you! Patty
ReplyDeleteHi Kath. Sounds like an amazing experience. Thanks for doing that hard work and sharing. Miss you climbing! I guess they won't let you practice on the conning tower! Glad you have decent food too. That must help with morale.
ReplyDeleteKeep an eye out for someone headed to the Comfort I think today... Dr. Andrew Pollack from MIEMS- Steve has him as an expert witness in a case ( he is a ER trauma guy) and told him you were there. Or, maybe you already know him! One week down, one week to go. Is time going by quickly or slowly?
ReplyDelete