My father turned 87 years old today.
Many this last week have commented that “anpil moun ap soufri anpil anpil. Se la viv an." Many people are suffering very very much. This is life.
This is usually followed by “Bon dje pral ede nou.” God will help us.
The recognition of suffering as part of life is not said with condemnation – or resignation. It is an acknowledgment of the situation in which they now find themselves.
Faith here is powerful. I remain deeply moved each time I hear expressions of faith in the midst of this.
The hospital halls and outside courtyard areas remain occupied.
More steam in. We continue to get the very severe cases.
Today there was a reassessment and discharge of those who were ready. Or in some cases not ready, but nothing more could be done.
This is a difficult reality. “Bon dje pral ede yo.” God will help them.
Our staff has worked, and continues to work, non-stop to provide care and they are, along with many supplies, stretched to the limit.
On surgical rounds this morning we methodically moved from patient to patient. Our docs making decisions about how to handle each situation.
They were greeted with relief and questions.
During what is mostly a very serious process we found laughter. A gift from a very special patient. In the midst of an outdoor area sat a woman. One of those incredibly beautiful elders whose faces defy description. She is blind. On her bed sat her young grandson.
I’m not 100% certain of what she was saying, but it was heartfelt and insistent and not to be ignored. She was giving us all what I believe was a piece of her mind. And her assessment of the situation.
With every attempt to move on came another commentary. Our quiet surgeons soon found themselves stopping for affectionate banter.
The entire ward was drawn in.
A new team of surgeons arrived this morning. They went immediately to the operating room. Rumor has it that they are very energetic and determined.
With this increased capacity to provide surgical intervention comes the increased need for post-operative nursing.
If I could wish for something else to arrive today it would be more nurses and pain medications.
And Dad, I’m wishing you a happy birthday.
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