Pediatrics is my specialty so that's where they have me working. As you care for these little ones you cerainly get to know them, their stories and you quickly grow attached. They make every attempt to have an escort for each patient on board preferably a family member. In this situation it isn't always possible because a patient or child is displaced or separated from their families. Or there just aren't any family left due to the devastation of the earthquake. One of my little patients (I say little because he is although he is 14) has his older brother with him. His brother is so loving and gentle and is concerned about the other 7 or so siblings that were left behind. They lost both of their parents in the earthquake. So many donations have been received on board from a variety of different sources that we are able to send each patient and escort home with a box of clothes, socks, some shoes, toys and the like. My patient's brother had received his box and you could see them both sorting through it. They will be discharged soon to a hospital on shore for the 14 year old to receive much needed follow on care and rehab. The brother will likely then be able to reconnect with his other siblings. The moment of all moments came though when after surveying what they had received in their donations box the brother in a very shy way pulled one of the nurses aside and asked if we had any tents on board he could have - when he and his brother leave the on shore treatment facility they will have no home, no shelter, no parents. And to think I dare complain even internally about my shoebox sized condo I share with my fiance. I will certianly think twice before whining about my small accommodations when these folks are working to rebuild a life for themselves from nothing.
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