Wednesday, December 23, 2009

The Littlest Patients: An Afghan Girl

From The Kitchen Dispatch:

Sunday, December 6, 2009

The Littlest Patients: An Afghan Girl

From The Hubs:
"Afghan kids are amazing. These tough little boys and girls suffer overwhelming physical hardships without a thought of pity or complaint. Even a small gift such as crayons and paper or a piece of candy bring a big smile of joyful surprise. They are attentive, intelligent and polite. And sometimes very cute.
We sometimes say that we run a pediatric clinic as over 80 % of our patients are under 12, and that includes our major trauma cases."
I get angry when I'm asked what we hope to accomplish over in Afghanistan. Although it's a valid question, too often it comes with a veneer of anger and cynicism. All of the medical teams in Afghanistan and elsewhere have made great strides taking care of children. From war wounds, to illnesses and household cooking accidents that result in burns, oftentimes the first contact an Afghan child has is with the caring eye and hands of a Western health professional.

So many of you who have read this blog have sent boxes of gifts for the children. Those beads, the shoes, crayons and coloring book are evidence of many good-hearted people. I'm so grateful for all that you do. Keep it coming. ...
(go here to read more from this great blog)

As we get set to celebrate Christmas with our children around us, spare a thought for these children. When you look around at your own family, give thanks for the men and women of our military who are far from home, working with "The Littlest Patients: An Afghan Girl."

H/T The Thunder Run

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