Tonight I am up later than usual because, simply I can not sleep. We had a medical emergency that has not gone well, in fact that is what is keeping me awake.
I finally decided to get up and write a blog about it. Basically, we, (mostly Denise) have been working with a women in our community for probably six months.
Denise has been transporting her to various hospitals, paying for expenses, etc. It has finally been determined she probably has cancer.
However to be sure we need a biopsy done. Over the last several days Denise has contacted numerous medical professionals to find out where we can have this done.
We finally located an American doctor in Port au Prince who would be willing to see her tomorrow. His only opening. We made arraignments to drive her to Port today, so that she could be there first thing in the morning.
Our big hold up was where could we spend the night. We were in a meeting with our peasant farmers, when we finally got word where we could have lodging we could afford. We left our meeting and came back to our apartment to pack.
We packed and were ready to leave when the lady we have been helping sent word that she did not want to go. After several discussions with her and her family, she agreed, and then, she refused again.
This was after she was told that this was the only option we had left.
After she refused, Denise called all of the involved parties and cancelled.
Later, concerned people in the community came to us, angry with us, because she had changed changed her mind again, and now we could not do anything.
By this time, if we could reconnect all of the arrangements, we would be traveling after dark.
Not only is it extremely dangerous to be traveling in Haiti after dark, we just received reports of violent demonstrations taking place in some areas where guns were being used, with people being killed.
All I could say to the people that were angry and expected more from us, was that we all are given free will. If we reject grace, we have to live with our decisions.
We are all very overcome with sadness. How much more does God grieve when he offers us his grace and we say "NO".
God\’s mercy on us all, Bob and of course, Denise (She is the one who worked so hard)
I am saddened to read this Bob. Praying for His grace and mercy to envelope you and Denise and fill you with peace. He is well pleased with your efforts.
M’eci
Dear Bob and Denise,
I was sorry to read this sad and poignant story and the suffering you have had to endure. It is painful when people become angry when they don’t fully understand the situation or what actually happened such as the woman you were trying to help who kept changing her mind. As good as our intentions may be, sometimes things just do not work out, In this case it was not you who said “no” to God and the help that was being offered. I hope you get a better night’s sleep. I’ll keep the prayers coming.
Blessings,
Fr. Peter
Dear Bob and Denise,
I pray for you both to have strength to move forward in spite of doors that have closed in your face. The poverty and the lack of medical care is almost too much to understand or comprehend – we who are on this end are so spoiled. You and Denise did your darnedest, and our Lord looks at your fortitude and strength and says, “Well done, good and faithful servants.” Don’t beat yourselves up over this woman’s choices, although it created anger in her family/group who simply didn’t understand. You have worked “magic” for so many, and they have come to expect this from you both every time. It isn’t possible in this life – in the daily situation you find yourselves. The woman’s illness and exhaustion surely created some of the confusion in making her decision – the distance, somewhere unknown, surgery, etc. You did God’s work in your attempt, and that’s all God could possibly ask of you. Hug Denise for me!
Becky
Becky, The blog has not been written but needs to be. After the woman, Mariana, rejected our offer and then came back to request help to late in the day to travel, the family found transportation to another hospital at 4:00 the next morning. This was a very good hospital, but Denise and Anita, an American friend and co-worker, had researched where she would be able to get the care she needed. Mariana went to the hospital and passed the following morning.
We have seen the family since and do not seem to have ill feelings. However, yesterday they came to the house and pleaded with Denise to go this Wednesday and pick up the body so that she can be brought home for the funeral.
This is complicated. The family told Denise that they could not find any one else to do this. Logistictly this is possible, but the country is in turmoil. There are daily demonstratons, and travel is not secure.
We shall see…..
please excuse any spelling errors, spell check is not working, and me….