We have a six-year old who stays at the orphanage with us in Thailand. His name is Chatagorn. A few days ago, he had a problem with his thumb. It swelled up to twice its normal size. We took him to the emergency room, and they gave him some medicine. Two days later it got worse. We took him back to the hospital, and they had to do surgery. Next day it eventually became infected, two more days in the hospital. Of course, someone had to be with him. He was terrified. Volunteer, Fernando took the first day, Bally the second, and I took the third night.
I was not looking forward to siting in a chair all night, especially seeing this beautiful child in pain. Little did I know there would be a lesson for me. Yes, six-year old Chatagorn will become the teacher, and I will be the 66-year-old student!
I arrived around 9 pm. His brother and sister were watching him. My goal was to take his mind off the pain and entertain him with videos and photos I had on my computer. It worked! We were having fun, and he learned how to use my computer in minutes. He would move the mouse and click on the following photo all on his own. He would always look at me for my approval to click on the next photo. Wish I could have learned to use the computer that quickly.
It’s around midnight; he is getting sleepy. As I sit next to his bed, I lay my head on the corner of the two-inch mattress. Even though he spoke no English, and me not knowing a word of Thai, we communicated. He motioned for me to join him in bed seeing I was uncomfortable sitting in the chair. As I lay next to him, he took his blanket and covered me up. I hugged him, and we went to sleep.
All I thought about was this little boy in pain and still has compassion for another! Wow…another lesson I learned about life! And… yes from a six-year old. I still have so much to learn. I love this “LIFE” thing! I remember the saying “It’s better to give than receive.” Today…I disagree with that.
This morning I took Chatagorn (my teacher) home from the hospital. He has his contagious smile back. His infection is going away. A “Hollywood” ending, for the both of us.
Jim, volunteer with IHF “International Humanity Foundation” Thailand