Satisfaction like no other....

This patient experience makes my heart just want to explode with joy.  We received a 9 year old girl with 35% burns.  The lamp her mother ignited exploded, killing her 3 and 5 year old siblings.  When she was found, our burn doctor thought she wouldn't make it through the night.  Fortunately she did and was brought to us.  This child is amazing.  She, along with her father are completely involved in her cares.  She doesn't understand a lot of what we're doing but when we explain, through a translator she will cooperate.  The other day when I had her I wanted her to ambulate to the toilet (bedside commode scared her) and use it so she would 1) regain some mobility and 2) not soil her dressings.  She was adamant she was not going to do it.  I simply told her "I admire your feisty attitude, but I will win."  She did go to the bathroom and I was encouraging her all the way.  When we finally got back to bed, I settled her and she said something. Her dad turned away a little misty eyed.  I got a translator because I of course needed to know what she was saying.  she said "I will pray for you."  SHE will PRAY for ME?!  This beautiful child who is full of pain is going to pray for me.  That was an emotional experience I have never felt before.  

By the end of the day, she was coloring, playing with Play-Doh and smiling.  She looked like a normal kid without injury.  She has stolen a piece of my heart.  I know we always talk about our military heroes fighting for us and taking care of us but this little Afghan girl is my hero.

Today it snowed and it was for a moment, very beautiful here.  It felt peaceful and normal.  I didn't build this snowman, but it was cool anyway.  I know that I will miss this place but I am no doubt sure I'll be back.