Love is in the Air

As we begin day four of surgery, we are hoping to successfully repair the hearts of Richmond and Esther.  As members of this mission, we are witness to the development and growth of the cardiac program in Ghana.  The collaboration between  physicians, nursing, pharmacy, OR staff, biomed, Respiratory and volunteers continues to grow with each mission.

We have also been witness to the development of a friendship (possible relationship) between two patients, Tony Blaire and Esther.  They met in pre op clinic and became fast friends over crayons and paper.  They were both admitted preoperatively and were often seen stolling the halls hand in hand.  Tony Blaire had surgery yesterday and Esther visited him.  She held his hand and offered him water when he was thirsty.  This morning she was sitting at his bedside with his parents holding his hand, while awaiting her surgery.  Prior to being given her anesthetics, Esther told the team she would marry Tony Blaire.  We can only hope that Tony Blaire will be as good to Esther post operatively as she has been to him.  This budding romance gives new meaning to our "Hearts" and Minds mission.

The echo clinic continues to run daily while the surgeries are underway.  Marga, Terry and Judy continue the screening process and to echo children who had surgery on past visits.  This morning we were greated by Samira, the first patient to under go Cardiac Surgery by this mission in 2007.  She was smiling and appeared as regal as she did five years ago.  It is so rewarding to see the difference we can make in a child's life.

Shortly after the first surgery settled into the ICU (Gallery), the team was interviewed by hospital officials and local news, verifying the local and hospital support of our mission.  The timing was so that they could interview Samira and video Isaac performing his first pump case.

 After lunch a group of us took a trip to one of the local villages to visit the Anikroma school(Gallery) about 45min. outside of Kamasi.  This is my third visit to this school and I have noticed slow improvements each time.  They still do not have electricity but they have started to run the wiring and actually installed ceiling fans in anticipation.  They also do not have running water.  The children were filling up buckets in the back as we toured the school.  We participated in the traditional welcome ceremony just like we did at the Trede School yesterday.  The tribal elders and children were very excited and grateful for the school supplies and laptop that we gave them. I feel like we are slowly making a difference, one child at a time.

Tomorrow we plan on visiting the Sisters of Charity Orphanage and the local daycare at the hospital.  The clinic will continue to evaluate patients and we will continue teaching and doing surgeries.

I have an update regarding Tony Blaire and Esther.  As we were leaving the hospital tonight, Mary had Tony walking the hall after his surgery and he made his way to see Esther.  How cute is this!

Answer to yesterday's Question of the Day: Mount Afadjato, 885m.  This is according to the CIA World Fact Book

I must say I like Len and Jackie's answer better though, "The highest point in Ghana is the joy from the families of the children you are operating on"

Today I am going to give you something to ponder:  Uses for your outdoor furniture...

Comments

[Lily]

Speaking of love... Has anyone seen Fred?!! Please send him my love!!
Glad to hear you all had a successful day!! Still thinking of you all everyday. Good luck with the rest of the surgeries!! ... Bob- keep saving lives!! ;)

[Ruth Brediger]

You all are doing great work and you should be proud. You are in our thoughts daily. Keep up the good work!
Ruth

[John Sheppard]

Hi Sue!

Your blog is so great and has become my favorite pit reading... yes, I should be paying attention to the show but, oh well :)

The pics of so many sweet faces really brightens my day. Knowing that they are being given such gifts from all your collective efforts is so inspiring.

Hang in there with the power outages and please know there are many of us here who are following you and rooting for the children!

Lots of love from the States

John

[George & Cheryl]

Sue,

Keep up the good work. You should all be very proud of the work you are doing!

Love the little love story between Tony & Esther.

Be safe. See you soon.

George & Cheryl

[Jim Klosterboer]

If there's more important work being done anywhere, I don't know what it could be. You seem to be keenly aware of the blessings that you are giving and being given. Can't wait to read and see your next installment!

[Linda Placidi]

Hi Christine,

I am finally writing a note. I just finished reading the whole blog and looked at all the pictures. As usual absolutely amazing!!!!

I can't tell you how happy and thrilled I was that Isaac did his first pump surgery by himself. What a tribute to the ability of Francis to be able to pass on his expertise to another.

How proud I am of all of you passing on your knowledge to others and to be able to see what a difference you are making. I loved the picture of you Christine working with the charting. I don't think your Patriots hat helped the Patriots last Sunday, it was good you weren't here to see the game.

How devestating it must have been for the two families whose children had malaria, so sad.

I loved the Love Story of Tony Blaire and Esther, sooooo cute.

I hope that there are no more power outages, not much fun when you are operating, I know when we lose power in the OR and go to generator the ten seconds it takes seems like a lifetime. I can't even begin to imagine being on bypass and losing power.

Keep up the good work, keep teaching, I am so very proud of you.

Love, Mom

P.S.
I hope this note makes up for not writing before, but I did have a super time in Florida with my sisters.....
Love, Mom

[Denise Molloy]

Hi everybody!
Love all of the posts and heartwarming stories. So great to see the picture of samira. Also loved the story of tony and ester. Stay well and enjoy the rest of the week. Thinking of you all and the great work you are doing. XO Denise

[Nancy Hiney]

Glad to hear you're seeing so many positive changes you have been noticing. You are all making a big difference one child at a time, and what's more, is the budding romance between Toni and Esther. You all have moved mountains and the world is already a better place. Keep going and keep posting!

[Jennifer Jones]

Sue and CH Gang, Your daily posts bring a smile and pride to me. Your mission continues to change both the lives of your patients and the community in Ghana...people can make a difference, thanks for sharing your experiences and observations, you are all an inspiration! P.S. Who couldn't fall in love w/ Esther OR Tony Blaire?

[Al Davis]

Hi Sue!