Karen, one of the pediatric Physicians shared with us the touching story of this "baby boy". He was orphaned, no known name with an amputation of his L leg. I saw him when he presented to the ER tent as Heather, Mike, and Catch assessed him. He was calm, no crying, smiled, and the minute Karen picked him up, he gave her a hug as she carried him to the Peds ward. She named him Jean Pierre. The neighboring family adopted him and the mother, whose son was also injured in the quake, cares for him as her own. In the 2 days he has been there, he now responds to his new name, is quite protective of his "mother" and even gets along with his older "brother". Stories like this are countless and make the long and tiring days worth it.
Tomorrow, the pediatric patients (who are housed in the Nutrition Center) ave been practicing french songs like Frere Jacques and others to raise the morale of the adults. They will tramp through the wards and tents on their crutches singing and dancing as best as they can. I just may have to take a break so I can see it.
The thought of those kids parading around makes you think about how fortunate we really are and how spoiled we are and how we take for granted the luxuries we have. God bless all of you for helping them. Hurry back, we miss you.
ReplyDeleteVicki (Randy's boss)
God bless all of you down there helping the people of Haiti. It makes me feel proud to belong to a nation that has the resources to assist this poor country in their time of need. Keep up the good work. We are all proud of you back home!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your experiences. It is very "awakening" as well as inspiring for those of us back in the U.S. to hear stories like yours. May God bless you all and keep you safe.
ReplyDeleteHey Joey and colleagues...thank you so much for helping these vulnerable people in a way that most of us cannot and for sharing your experiences with us. Today I went to tour a public school in NYC (for Kindergarten next year) and in one 3rd grade class I observed, a local doctor who had just been in Haiti was giving a talk/showing pics of his time there to the kids. It clearly had a big impact on all the children (and the touring parents). Just a thought that maybe when you return home, you can try to spread the word about your great work to help keep it in the forefront of people's minds that we all need to continue to help. xoxo, Steph
ReplyDeleteThank you for being there and helping. We are truly blessed in this country to have people like all of you who have gone to share your skills and knowledge to help those in need.
ReplyDeleteJoey you are one of the "voices" advocating for the victims and volunteers there. your chronicles of your experiences there are truly moving and I am so proud to call you my brother. I think that what you have done there and what you do through this blog can spark compassion on a wider scale. so that we can continue to rehabilitate those suffering people. Can't wait to see the footage on the children's "parade". They are truly inspiring, through adversity, a happy tune will get you through. Love you.your sis, M
ReplyDeleteThe Van Fleit families send their best wishes to all of you. How proud we are to live in a community with such caring physicians. You inspire us all to treat our fellow human beings unselfishly. Thank you and welcome home!
ReplyDeleteThank you to each of you for representing your community and your profession so admirably. I am so proud of you and all the sacrifices you are making to help those so desperately in need of help.
ReplyDeleteI'm certain there are many who you have treated you will never forget, and many who will never forget you.
Take a moment to pat yourselves on the back and be proud of yourselves as we are you.
Hi, Dr. Mike...good job.
Sheila Bergeron
Hey Dad,
ReplyDeleteIt is Anna speaking. we all really miss you. Sara's birthday went well yesterday. I hope that you get this on Tuesday[ I had some trouble finding the blog]. We all really miss you.I hope that you're feeling alright. I mean not taking a nap every once in a while. Are you tired at all. That is cool how you're hospital is like the best working one. Is it fun hanging out with the other doctors there when you have your little amount of free time? Well I think that mom is going to get mad that I still up so...
Bye can't wait to see you!
Love, Anna
P.S. Sara loves you too!
Hi Fred Ferlic, Linda Lombardo here! Great to see you there helping and making people happy. I'm working with a group to get water to Haiti, do you have any advice. Lots of love to you, Linda
ReplyDeleteHi Uncle Mark! Its Code 7 :) I read this blog every day and you are all doing such amazing work down there. I'll continue to pray for you and all your patients. Take care of yourselves and each other.
ReplyDeleteAll my love,
Rebecca Kochvar
Keep up the good(no great!) work.
ReplyDelete