Haitian Proverb August 6th

Wife for a while, mother forever. meaning, A mother is forever.

Recently Ezekiel was in the hospital due to another sickle cell crisis. This involves extreme pain, this time primarily in his legs, cause by sickle shaped blood cells building up in one area of the body. Unfortunately the hospital really didn’t seem to know exactly what needed to be done to help the little guy. Thank God for the internet. I was able to read up more closely on the crises that come with this disease and how to help prevent them from happening again. Hydration and folic acid supplements to keep them at bay and hot pads with massage should one occur again. One thing I discovered was that the real threat to those with Sickle Cell comes in the first 5 years of their life. Without proper vaccinations these children are susceptible to infections that could kill them within 24 hours.

When Ezekiel and Ednel came to live at the center they brought these cardboard pamphlets with them. These pamphlets were actually records of doctor visits, vaccinations, and height/weight measurements. Their mother had seen to their health and had done so vigilantly until the time of her death. Had it not been for the care and love this woman provided these boys during their toddler years, it is very possible Ezekiel would not have lived to see his 5th birthday. It is because of her that he is smiling and giggling and speeding around on a bicycle today. She is his mother forever even though she was taken from him far too early.

 I hope someday I will be able explain this to a boy who more than likely will have little memory of her once he reaches adulthood. But I will save those pamphlets for Ezekiel and Ednel as a testimony to a mother’s love for her sons. Also, if you are able, hug your momma when you get a chance. There is so much that mothers’ have done and will do in their children’s lives that goes without notice but means so much. There is no other love in the world like it.