Wednesday, December 21, 2005
I knew she was going to die. She came in her father's arms totally emaciated, totally exhausted, totally out of breath. She was 9 years old and she had tachycardia. Noone had to tell me if she didn't get immediate assistance, her heart would give out.
The doctors seemed to take their time to admit her into the hospital. Maybe they had to finalize the payment schedule. Maybe they knew she wasn't going to make it. In any case, noone was very specific in their response to my questions (typical India).
An hour into her admission, I felt hunger pains and was called to lunch. When I got back in 15 minutes and rushed to see how she was doing, there was already a blanket over her head. She had given up. Maybe it was good I didn't see her last moments. Watching her writhing in bed even though she was too weak was gut-wrenching already.
Not sure if the doctors here did really give their best efforts. Regardless, I would not want to die here...
The doctors seemed to take their time to admit her into the hospital. Maybe they had to finalize the payment schedule. Maybe they knew she wasn't going to make it. In any case, noone was very specific in their response to my questions (typical India).
An hour into her admission, I felt hunger pains and was called to lunch. When I got back in 15 minutes and rushed to see how she was doing, there was already a blanket over her head. She had given up. Maybe it was good I didn't see her last moments. Watching her writhing in bed even though she was too weak was gut-wrenching already.
Not sure if the doctors here did really give their best efforts. Regardless, I would not want to die here...
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Sad moment. I have a folder named Heaven for all the people that died on my watch. It's like my own little cemetery. I still get sad when a young and nice person dies. They didn’t have a chance to grow and experience a lot of things like school, travel, marriage, children, and grandchildren.
You can’t cure everybody, but you could make their dying better, sometimes just by being there.
Andy
You can’t cure everybody, but you could make their dying better, sometimes just by being there.
Andy
# posted by 
: 9:04 AM
: 9:04 AM
As I read you blog, I picture you in the hospital that seemed so desolate when I was there. I only stepped foot in the dimly lit building for a short tour and a glimpse of the unused children's play room with its brightly colored walls reminding me that many past volunteers have worked hard to make the hospital a place where life can continue. Your experience on this day is an example of last minute hope and you were there not only as a witness, but as someone who will share this experience with those who you know, changing them in some way.
anu
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anu
# posted by : 9:48 AM
: 9:48 AM << Home
