When we got back to the base we were told that a baby who was severly burnt was being brought into our aid station. Our medics started working on her and I headed down to see if I could assist in anyway. The little girl was 8 months old and burnt really bad. Her breathing was irregular and instead of putting burn ointment on her, her family put bengay on the burns. Our medics worked on her for about 40 minutes. There was little they could do and she ended up dying about an hour after they brought her in. I had to clean up the body before giving it back to her family - it was very hard to clean the lifeless body, no matter how many times you see something like that I don't think it ever gets easier.
The thing that always gets me though is the reaction from the families. Her grandfather brought her into us and didn't seem that concerned whether she lived or died. I guess when you live out here though, and there is no real medical facilties, death is just something that they are accustomed to. I guess you have to make yourself not be as attached to these children as the chances of them making it through childhood are not the best. In America, I think maybe people are closer to their children because they really don't have to worry about getting to close to them as we have the best medical facilities in the world....just a thought. I don't know how else to explain the coldness that you get from these people. It's not that they don't care, I think it's their coping mechanism. Sometimes though you get a father or mother who brings their kid in and is crushed that something has happened to them. I have to keep reminding myself that theirs is a different culture and they have different customs / reactions.
I got a care package from my friend Greg the other day. It had paint in it and I've been trying to paint. Not all that great at it but it let's me escape mentally for an hour or so at night. I included a picture of one of my paintings. As I said...I'm not a painter but anything to keep your mind off things is great.
Hope everyone is doing well. Keep in touch and thanks for all the encouragement!
2 comments:
Hi Michelle,
The pictures of the little baby are so cute. She is adorable. It is a joy to see the miracle of life. It must be so hard for you to turn right around and see how quickly that precious gift can be taken away.
As Americans, I think we do take access to medical care for granted. It must be very surreal to see how different things are for those living in Afghanistan. In this place where even the most basic prenatal and well child health care issues are not being addressed, this Afghani family most likely had no expectation that their child could be saved from the injuries you describe. Just the fact that they brought her to you demonstrated their hope that you all might provide that miracle for their daughter. I am so sorry you were unable to save this little one, it is so sad.
I am glad you enjoy painting. I was never a very good artist in that way, that's why dance is my artistic outlet. :)
Take care Michelle.
Oh she is beautiful Michelle. Words can't express how proud I am of your strength and compassion. I love you dearly
Post a Comment