Have you ever been in the midst of suffering? Not, I'm dying for chocolate and why isn't there anything good on TV, but real, somebody's in pain, suffering?? I don't know that I really have (thank the Lord)....I have served in extreme poverty...but I don't think the two really compare...although they might go hand in hand.
Anyways, today when I was at the hospital visiting Raj, I asked about the sweet little blondie in the bed adjacent to hers. I was told that she was a burn patient. This poor 2 1/2 year old girl, had fallen backwards into a tub of boiling water (women here will boil water on the fire-stove top in a large metal tub, and then use this water for the housework...I'm assuming that this was the case).
I made my way over to her to get a closer look at the wounds (to satisfy my curiosity, shame on me!), and my heart broke on the spot for my new little friend Antela. Her entire back side was severely burned and infected. Although she had been in the hospital for a day, she had received no treatment, no painkillers, no salves, and no dressings. All she had was in IV for hydration. And to make her wounds worse, she had been wrapped in gauze, which was clinging to her broken flesh, and the dressings were soiled. She just laid on her stomach, most likely still in shock, barely able to hold on to the doll that was dangling off the side of her bed. Surely, suffering looks something like this.
This poor girl has left a deep impression on my heart, one I am sure will stay with my memories for a very long time. I'm really looking forward to going back tomorrow to visit both her and Raj, and I'm going to try my hardest to get a smile on that sweet little face!
About Me
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- Kristal Buckner
- FCS English teacher to grades 5-12 You may email me at kristalb@fcsfamily.com
2 comments:
Oh my. They need to take care of her quick. I know there probably isn't a whole lot that they can do but her dressings need to be moist. It will help her heal better and give the girl some morphine.
Ugh, I wish I could get her to America for treatment.
The poor thing! I'm so glad to hear one of the doll blankets came in handy~ it's amazing to think that just $1 could provide so much comfort.
Thinking of this girl reminded me of a time in middle school when mom and dad went to LA for a fundraiser for a little girl who'd been burned... I don't know if you would remember it, but mom bought a very glamorous purple jumpsuit that had a sparkly section in the bodice.
Anyway, I remember Dad described the girl (Jessica's) injuries to me in detail and it was so upsetting and sad.
I am so moved by your bravery and resilience to be exposed to that kind of suffering and maintain not only your positivity, but also to extend it to others. You are amazing!
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