Helping children be children
The following is an editorial commentary
When I was given the opportunity to travel to Houston and Galveston with the Khiva Shiners of Amarillo I was thrilled, however, not prepared for impact it would have on my life.
The best way for me to describe it, a heart breaking site that was not only inspirational, but what a wake up call to the fact that every day is a gift-I believe that's why it's called the present.
Our first day began at the Burn Center in Galveston. Our first stop there, an ice cream social for the patients. Kids sat with parents and friends as they enjoyed their treats, and smiles filled the room---it was amazing to me. The spirits in these children was that of a child without a care. The hospital staff does such a phenomenal job at restoring not only their health, but their childhood. They are loved by every single staff member, and it shows. I discovered later that these ice cream socials are not a rare occurrence. Dr. Suman informed me that after a person experiences a severe burn, their metabolic rate rises two to three times the normal level, so, not only are the socials enjoyable for the kids, they are a way to keep their caloric intake up so they can continue to rebuild their muscle tissue, and their strength.
Towards the end of the story you meet Eduerdo Sanchez. He is one of the most incredible people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. His pleasant, positive demeanor caught my attention immediately. Not only was he a joy to be around, it was contagious. At the end of my interview with Eduerdo I asked them if there was anything else that he would like to share. He said yes, looked right at the camera and said " If you are depressed, stop. Get up and enjoy everyday and if you are having problems get over it-God is there. Just keep going,"
Wow, right?
Here is this twenty year old man with no legs and only one arm and he is honestly the happiest person I have ever met. As you heard him describe his situation in the story he says loosing his limbs was "no big deal." I can only pray that if anything were to happen to myself or someone I love I could keep an attitude as resilient as his.
Live everyday, love each other, especially those people that drive you nuts, and let's all eliminate the word hate from our vocabulary because after all what's the point? This trip made me appreciate the small joys in life, and opened my eyes to how lucky we are as a society to have the Shriners there... just in case.
To see Part I of this series, click here.
