We arrived at the clinic on Thursday and Jung (a young man) was not doing very well. When we left on Wednesday he was sitting up and eating dinner and talking more then usually, but on our return his breathing pattern had changed during the night and he was not arousable. Sister Theresa thought that he wouldn't make it till the weekend, but seeing how much he changed overnight Molly and I knew that he wouldn't make it thru the day. Around 12:00, his breathing pattern changed again, so Molly and I sat with him and talked to him. The sisters came by and decided that they would baptize him, seeing that his condition was declining rapidly. I asked Sister Rosa if one of Jung's wishes was being baptized and she said yes. The previous night, he stated that if he was close to dying, he would like to be baptized so he could go to heaven and be with his uncle. The whole ceremony was very touching and moving. The sister brought music in and chanted prayers over him. About 30 minutes later he past away. Some of the older children left the classroom and came into Jung's room. At first I didn't understand why they let the children come into the room; however, when watching their faces and hearing there prayers, I understood. They live with this disease everyday and our faced with many challenges. Death is a part of life and the sisters do not want to shelter them from that fact. With the right love and teaching, the children learn the skills they need to cope with death and the disease that they have. It was a very powerful moment to watch a 5 year old standing at this man's bedside saying a prayer very loudly and strongly...it brought us to tears.
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12 comments:
Mary,
I think that if you do not get to utilize the medical skills that you think are important ... it is not a bad thing. Your training in GR has taught you to witness, empathize and bring dignity to those who die of any disease. You are experiencing how another culture treats the dying. From what you say it is emotional and prayerful, and brings relief to the patient. This man was very fortunate to have people around him who cared about his life. And, you and Molly were among them.
Keep doing what you do best ... smile and bring happiness to others.
Love,
Mom
Mary...
sending many prayers your way. you are such an amazing individual and what you are doing says so much about who you are! i'm honored to know you and to have worked alongside you.
i know how much you desire to use your skills, knowledge, and expertise...but sometimes in those silent moments and when we just stand by someone's side...those are the most powerful moments and true examples of our skills, knowledge, and expertise. to witness death is no easy task and all of your skills, whether technical or emotional are crtical in moments like that. i believe the young boy was blessed to have you by his side in his hour of death.
mary, you (and molly) are amazing and i will continue to lift you up in my prayers throughout the upcoming weeks!
missing you and praying for you,
tricia
What a powerful opportunity to get to learn about how this place is helping their students learn about death. I'm so glad that you and Molly were able to be there for Jung, and be a support to him and the other staff. I will think about you both as you work to find your place in the clinic, and help them to see the skills you can bring, and I hope that you continue to find new skills and ideas to take away with you. I love you and we're thinking of you everyday.
Laura
Mary,
From personal experience you and Molly could not have been two better people to be at his bed side during his last breaths. I admire both of you so much. Miss you even more.
Lizzie
Mary,
I agree with Lizzie 100%. There couldn't have been two better people to be at that young man's bedside during his passing. You guys are 2 of the most empathetic people I know. I am so proud of what you are doing over there, but sad that you won't be coming back to 7 south to share your experiences with us, the kids, and their families. The powers that be in that joint are just stupid and don't see what an asset you are and how this experience can only enrich your nursing practice. Pisses me off :) Anyway, keep the blogs coming. I love reading about what you are doing. Keep up the good work and stay safe!
Kirsten
Well I would have to say all the trials and tribulations the two of you have endured to get over there are well worth the life experience you have gained in such a short amount of time. Powerful stuff sister!!!! Gave me the chills reading what you have posted thus far! What an amazing opportunity! You are truly living the dream my friend. You are embarking on a part of life most will never see. God has placed the two of you with these amazing individuals for a reason. What gratitude this man must have had for the two of you to be at his side for his last dying wish. Medicine extends way beyond treatments and drugs. Sometimes the best medicine is the kind you can't see. So glad you are there together. Sounds like the surroundings are okay. Can't beat warm water and a bed right. The things we complain about and take for granted are crazy right. Well keep on my soul sisters! Your awesomeness prevails once again. Can't wait to hear what comes next. Stay safe. Love you both. Steph
Mary
Thanks for your updates. What a touching story about Jung. You have such a wonderful opportunity to give and grow under these special circumstances. God is using you, my friend. My continued support, prayers & encouragement. ..Lisa
Oh Mary May...
Your post was amazing. What a blessing you and Molly are down there, just as you guys were a blessing on 7S. You have NO IDEA how much I miss you sassy self :) No one was better at it than you. You are such an amazing nurse and individual, and I have no doubt you and Molly are making a difference down there. I hope God continues to use you and challenge you so that you may grow so much from your experiences. Keep blogging, we LOVE to know what you are up to. And know that you are missed, loved, and supported by all of us.
Lacey
Little Mary...
Asia is a interesting, wonderful, culturaly diverse, painful, exasperating ..... Your story is wonderfully eye-opening both for us and you (and Molly). Fortunately, you have an open mind and open heart. I am sure that the total environment you are experiencing cannot all be put into words or pics. But I am sure you will become a better person as a result of your exposure to the life of another culture. I am very proud of your efforts and am also a little jealous of the experiences you encounter.
Love
uncle rick
p.s. please update as often as you can.
Mary -
I'm so excited to finally have time to look up your blog!! How you are missed! It is not the same here without you and Molly - I hate it. We just said today that we have a new patient that NEEDS a Mary/Steph cheer! I'm so excited and proud of you both! You had to courage to do something that most of us just dream about. Thank you for being so open with your experiences. You will have so many stories and memories to tell. What an honor for them to have you. Take care, be safe. Keep in touch!!! Love, Tammi
Oh hello Miss Mary,
I love reading of all your adventures. It just brings a smile to my face and now with this man a tear to my eye. I just read in the GR Press that Jose passed away. I was in shock. You were the first person I thought about. You were so good with him. I remember when Jed was in transplant and you came in to borrow "product" to do Jose's hair for the Harry Potter outing. He was such an adorable kid. I can not find the words to express my profound admiration for the work you're doing. Therefore, I will continue to pray for you girls and send much love your way my friend.
Love,
Marcy
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