Last day at the hospital…onto clinics and schools
Today we arrived for the last time at the hospital. We knew today would be rough because our first stop was the burn unit. We arrived with a suitcase full of stuff animals and clown noses. Once we made our way up to the unit we put on gowns. Only three people were allowed in a room at a time. They had six rooms with about 5-7 kids in each.
As I walked into the first room, I was shocked by what I saw. I knew it would be sad but it was harder to know that the children were in so much pain because you could see it. What I mean is when I would look at the children, they would just lay in one spot. Most didn’t want to move and it was obvious as to why. I met two little girls who were sisters. They were 2 and 5 years old. In fact it was the 5 year olds birthday. Both had no hair and were heavily wrapped in bandages. They had the prettiest faces and biggest smiles. Both girls didn’t move because it was so painful. I stayed with them for a long time stroking the quarter of an inch long hair that was starting to grow back. I also rubbed spots on their backs that weren’t burned or bandaged. These two girls have a long road ahead of them.
We visited another room where a little boy was so excited about the clown noses that he ran up to us and took two. He wore one and soon a woman was wheeled into his room. She had burns on 90% of her body. The little boy took out his extra nose and put it on her to welcome her back into the room. It was the cutest thing and he was so proud to celebrate her return.
After going to all of the rooms, we left that area and went to the court yard to make balloon animals and have fun with the kids outside. A little boy came up to me and wanted a picture of the two of us. It was really cute. Over the last few days I feel like I know what it is like to work at Disney World. So many excited people come up and ask for a photo. Sometimes it is even the adult that wants a picture and the kid has to take it.
However my favorite moment today was when I was in the court yard and a little 3 year old boy came up to me and asked for a balloon. Instead I pretended he wanted to dance. I grabbed his hands and he started to dance with me. He started to smile and then we began a kick line. He was beaming. The coolest part was when I looked down beyond his smile at our kick line to see metal braces that were attached from his hips all the way to his shoes. It was really hard to spot but the fact that this child got the biggest kick out of dancing and was able to join in, made my entire day.
We ended our day at a free clinic in a very impoverished area where we put on a clown show for all of the kids who were there. It was a lot of fun and by the end of the day we were all exhausted.
As we drove back to our hotel, I suggested to the others that we should stop at the park and get some pictures on the teeter totters. Little did I know that when you take four people dressed in clown, to a park in Peru, you get a bunch of really excited children following you around. It was a great end to our high energy day.
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5 Responses to Last day at the hospital…onto clinics and schools
It sounds as though you are the one learning some very important life lessons. All of the joy you bring to others is really making you the better person. Love you, mom and dad too!
WOW, Duffy has it going today
You are making a world of difference, Julie, in the lives of children and adults! Your compassion could turn into pity and nothing would be accomplished. Instead your compassion is turned into bringing joy and kindness to others. How like you to think about stopping at a park. Your creative ideas and spontaneity brought more joy to others even when some would consider their day was done!
I love to read about the way you look at the world. Your sense of wonder and play makes it so much better. Keep on sharing your special view and spreading joy in your path.
You go, girl! Love reading about this new adventure.