Day 6 of Surgery: Smile Riot in The Ward

Today started off about the same as yesterday – crazy. I don’t think any of us can make sense of what is happening to our schedule. Gumby has been my mascot – stretch and flex. It’s the only way to cope.

The bright spot of the day at the hospital for me came when I went down to the ward to give away a wide assortment of things for the patients. Before I left Richland, I had dropped $100 at the local dollar store to get an assortment of things to amuse them. The punch balls were a hit with the small kids and adults alike. Once the bag of gifts/toys was open suddenly the entire lethargic ward sprang to life with everyone wanting something – including parents, residents, and nurses. It was so exciting for them that the nurses even seemed to be a little nervous about some of the activity, but no one got hurt.

I had a particular good time playing with 5-year-old Gopinath, showing him how to play with the punch ball. He laughed and tried over and over with his one good arm (the other was in a cast). His right arm had a scar revision that had required a skin graft; the surgeon had applied a cast to ensure that the new skin would take.

I also got to see Belciya (I watched her surgery the other day) and she had just returned to the ward after having her dressings changed. She’s been very concerned about missing so much school all week; for 12, she’s quite serious and studious. I think she's a little sweetie and I'm glad she has the chance to walk normally after so many years with a deformed foot.

I really wish I ccould ommunicate with the patients better. The language barrier is tough. However, there’s something in a smile that seems to translate very well. And I’ve learned on this mission it’s the best currency I have in the face of adversity and pain. The more I think about it, the more I think all of us could use this God-given tool more to brighten the lives of others routinely.

Gopinath (5) and I knock each other out with punchballs.

Gopinath and I pause from punchballing for a picture.

Belciya and I pose for a picture.

This patient, 22-year-old Jaya, caused us a lot of concern. She
was extremely unhappy about her left arm -- so much so that
she was saying she didn't want to live (she had already had
surgery on her chin). When I came to the ward, she came up
crying and begged me to have a picture with her and get it printed.
We were finally able to deliver one to her and it really made her
happy.

After playing in the ward, several of the residents and medical students asked for
a group photo for which I obliged. Smiles, smiles, smiles.