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.
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