The parents of the children must think that it is some kind of magic when their child is taken away for surgery and returned to them in a form that they had only dreamed about.
The child and a parent check into the hospital the afternoon before the procedure and stay in the pre-op area where the child is monitored by the nurses and pediatricians. The next day one of the anesthesiologists comes to the ward to take the child to the operating room.
The team of anesthesiologist prepares the child for surgery and carefully monitors their vitals during the procedure. The operating room team of nurses and medical students assist as the surgeons perform the magic that the parents consider to be a miracle. When the surgery is finished and the child is breathing on his/her own and stable, it is time for the anesthesiologist to take the child to the recovery area. The child will still be quite sleepy. Their vitals are monitored closely as they emerge from the anesthesia. When the child is conscious of their surroundings and usually asking for their mama, they are ready to go the post-op area and meet their anxiously waiting parents.
The parents see through the drowsiness of their child and beyond the swelling and stitches to a new beautiful face that they will no longer have to hide. At this point the child is again cared for by the nurses and pediatricians. A translator helps to reassure the parents and communicates to them about healing care. The child and parent stay in post-op over night and are examined to be released the next morning. That is usually when the blessings start. While it is the post-op team that receives the blessings from the families, they are meant for all in MOST. The blessings are to be shared.
One father said, “I don’t have anything to give you or money to pay for what you have done for my child. My wish is that the gift you have given to us be returned to you in multiple blessings.”
Julio’s father when saying good by became so emotional that he sobbed uncontrollably and was finally able to say, “When I now see how beautiful my child is I will always remember what you did for him. I can’t find the words to give you proper thanks. Bless you.”
Some parents repeatedly ask for photos of the team so that their children will remember “the angles who helped them”. Others want pictures to take to their church or to put in a shrine and offer daily prayers for us.
The last patient to be discharged on Friday morning was Pedro, an 11 year old boy who had lip and other corrective surgery the day before. As he was getting ready to leave he started to cry. He was questioned about his tears for concern that he was in pain, but he shook his head no, no pain. Pedro was realizing so early after surgery that his life had changed. His tears of great emotion flowed so freely and continued uncontrollably. They were tears of gratitude and ones of blessings to be shared.
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