How does a story end? With a moment, a word, and action? And if something happens after that moment, does the story not continue, making the end a beginning?
I watched the sun rise today, my last day at Victoria Hospital. After 2 shifts without a single birth I was anxious for today knowing it would be busy. My 7-2 shift brough me just one birth, but I was prepared to stay as long as need be to deliver number 20. I had worked long and hard toward toward this goal. I would not walk away one short! Baby #20 came at 3:12 (over an hour after my shift officially ended!) followed by bonus baby number 21, who was the 6th child for that particular family. He was born in thick meconium, and we had to do quite a bit of resuscitation on him, but by 10 minutes old he was fine..praise God! I surpassed my goal! Meanwhile one woman delivered in her bed on the ward, and three more were in active labor all between 7 and 9 cm in labor and delivery area. It was time for me to go. Kevin was waiting for me. I clipped a thank you note to the bulletin board, hugged the nurses who had turned into friends, and slipped out. I walked down the ramp, deciding not to look back. My heart felt torn. I came to this place a different person, less understanding of the human plight and the struggle of women. Of the burdens they bear here and many places. They neither offer nor largely accept compassion. They have been scarred by the struggles they face and the injustices they must endure. Their strength has amazed and deeply humbled me. I am humbled by their kindness and acceptance of a white woman in their world. They didn’t have to allow me into their lives, didn’t have to trust me, but they did so and with open arms! They gave to me more than I could ever offer them.
My time here has been a wonderful, unforgettable and priceless adventure.
At the end of my day Kevin waited in the entry of the maternity ward, and I arrived home to hugs from my kids. I showered, and walked out on the balcony, needing a quiet moment to reflect on this day. The sun was setting over the sea, a farewell to the day, and my time at Victoria Hospital. I smiled and the voices of the women echoed in my mind…..”thank you, nurse, thank you”. If only they knew how grateful I was for them….. God is so good.
I watched the sun rise today, my last day at Victoria Hospital. After 2 shifts without a single birth I was anxious for today knowing it would be busy. My 7-2 shift brough me just one birth, but I was prepared to stay as long as need be to deliver number 20. I had worked long and hard toward toward this goal. I would not walk away one short! Baby #20 came at 3:12 (over an hour after my shift officially ended!) followed by bonus baby number 21, who was the 6th child for that particular family. He was born in thick meconium, and we had to do quite a bit of resuscitation on him, but by 10 minutes old he was fine..praise God! I surpassed my goal! Meanwhile one woman delivered in her bed on the ward, and three more were in active labor all between 7 and 9 cm in labor and delivery area. It was time for me to go. Kevin was waiting for me. I clipped a thank you note to the bulletin board, hugged the nurses who had turned into friends, and slipped out. I walked down the ramp, deciding not to look back. My heart felt torn. I came to this place a different person, less understanding of the human plight and the struggle of women. Of the burdens they bear here and many places. They neither offer nor largely accept compassion. They have been scarred by the struggles they face and the injustices they must endure. Their strength has amazed and deeply humbled me. I am humbled by their kindness and acceptance of a white woman in their world. They didn’t have to allow me into their lives, didn’t have to trust me, but they did so and with open arms! They gave to me more than I could ever offer them.
My time here has been a wonderful, unforgettable and priceless adventure.
At the end of my day Kevin waited in the entry of the maternity ward, and I arrived home to hugs from my kids. I showered, and walked out on the balcony, needing a quiet moment to reflect on this day. The sun was setting over the sea, a farewell to the day, and my time at Victoria Hospital. I smiled and the voices of the women echoed in my mind…..”thank you, nurse, thank you”. If only they knew how grateful I was for them….. God is so good.
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