Follow up on the child with malnutrition after feeding

This photo was taken recently of the malnourished child described in the December 29 blog entry. The child was merely fed by the hospital giving food to the mother. No surgery has yet been done except for the removal of dead bone which simply fell out. He will have closure of the oral opening after he gains more weight. Everyone was happy here except the patient. When the child first presented, he did not have the strength to cry, sit up or stand by himself. He was so skinny. Notice how his color has improved, no longer an anemic paleness.

A tender handshake that I felt in my heart

Today a six year old, severely injured boy shook my hand in thanksgiving. This lad was in a traffic accident five days ago, split open his face and lost the front portion of his jaw. During surgery, his life was marginal. Now after five days he is alert and with everyone's care he will live. His reconstruction will be a major problem. In the same accident, his mother lost her ear and had to have her arm amputated. There are daily visits, dressing changes and frequent directions with the nurses. He understands English, but cannot speak because of the tracheostomy which was necessary to enable him to breath. Today, he persistently and with determination seeks out my hand. At first, I thought it was to prevent me from hurting him as we dressed his wounds. But, he shook my hand in thanks. I felt this tender handshake in my heart and it will be remembered my whole life.