Last day rounding in the ETU.
In the Suspected Ward, three-year-old Nowai lost her parents to Ebola. Bendu who is an Ebola survivor took care of her the first night. Then the child started following one of the young patients, Monique around and the two seemed to form a mother and daughter bond. This afternoon both are found to be negative for Ebola. Monique held Nowai’s hand and let her sit on her lap. Unfortunately Monique is from Monrovia and Nowai is going to be heart broken when she has to say good-bye to her.
Aaron finally passed away; he fought tenaciously for several days seemingly unwilling to let go. It was as though he did not feel it was his time to leave this world.
Mommy Juah who had been having bloody diarrhea also died. She joined many of the Juahs who recently departed; her son Prince died two days ago. Her husband who watched his son’s death which was quite horrific and then his wife’s, was quiet and strangely stoic. He will make it. Tragically more Juahs are coming to the ETU with symptoms.
Krubo who lost two of her children; two-year-old Moses and four-year-old Fatu recovered. Looking at her, one could not tell she had been through so much pain in a few weeks. Her hair was well braided and her prominent cheek bones framed a face that was proud and strong. Her five-year-old son, Peter left a few days ago. Quiet Togbah who lost his wife also survived. They will be going back to their village.
I am not sure whether I could weather such tragic storm with so much equanimity, courage and strength as many of the patients have displayed.
Horatio Gates Spafford wrote the lyrics of the hymn: It is Well with My Soul after losing four daughters in a shipwreck while crossing the Atlantic.
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.
Refrain:
It is well with my soul,
It is well, it is well with my soul.
I hope with all my heart that this will be so for so many of the people stricken by Ebola when the outbreak is finally over.
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