Saying Goodbye!!!

Last night as many of you may know by now lost one of our very dear children from the Haven. Andrew passed away last night from complications due to HIV and other causes. I worked with Andrew for a short time but in that time I learned what a sweet boy he was. It is saddening and heavy on my heart to have lost a child while we were here and so close to the end of our grand adventure. I feel though that this is a valuable lesson to learn from. Sometimes in life, we may lose someone close to us such as a family member, friend, co-worker, significant other, or even a patient or client we have been treating and caring for. I think what I have taken away from this lesson is that life is not forever and at some point in our careers we will have a patient, child, or client not make it and we have to be prepared for when that time comes. Another lesson I have taken away from this situation is just how blessed we are in America to have the technology, resources and medical care that we have. We are able to go to the emergency room and be seen by a doctor and get help, here in Zambia it is very different. Here they do not always even have the medicine available or electricity for breathing vents to work, and so sometimes there is death that could have possibly been prevented. I am saddened for the auntie’s because they knew Andrew for three years and cared for him and loved him.

Today we attended Andrew’s viewing and funeral. It was so nicely done! There was not a dry eye there. Andrew was in a beautiful wooden casket and he was wrapped in a blanket. He looked so peaceful and when I walked by him, I said a prayer and shed a tear. My wonderful friend Anna walked with me to view him and told him that she loved him, that’s when I began to shed more tears. We then as a group walked over to the grave site. The auntie’s sang and sobbed and whaled, and one of his family members said a few words and thanked everyone for taking care of Andrew and blessed us all who were mourning Andrew. One of the auntie’s named Meagan told Andrew’s story and we found out that Andrew had been a very sick baby, and had been struggling most of his life. I feel that Andrew is in a better place and the best place! They placed the casket in his grave and filled the hole. They said a few prayers and placed flowers, his favorite toy, and tomato puffs on top of the grave! Those were his favorite! What a cultural experience to have been to a funeral. I wished it hadn’t of happened at all but the reality is that it happens and Andrew was happy we were there.

The hardest part of the day comes next, when we all had to say goodbye to the rest of the kids! This was hard for me! I have become super close with Dennis a little boy in Haven 1 and we just had a special bond. I taught him to blow bubbles and blow kisses and say bye!!!! I just love him! I told him goodbye and cried, and hugged each of his auntie’s and thanked them for taking such great care of all the children. This experience has changed me forever! I feel I have learned so much on this adventure, especially the lesson of love for others!!! Love to Andrew and Dennis and all the kids at the Haven and the aunties, my classmates on this trip, my family, to you, and to all!!!!!!