The Ward
I sometimes walk out of the smelly ward, just to stray around the dilapitated building. To get out of the nauseating smell actually. I walk around usually, meet friends, help people get to the right departments.
Today I thought I would just stand and watch people. I went over to the rusty gates that witness the coming and going of a thousands of sick people everyday. They are always rushing. Rushing in, rushing out. Rushing. Rushing.
And i feel a little lost in the hurrying crowds. I have nowhere to be. Nowhere to go. I have all the time in the world.
I lost a baby today. A one year old who suffered all hell before finally succumbing to 78% burns. It was a beautiful baby. and the mother was inconsolable. The doctors wrote another name in the chart of expired patients that they hang on the entrance of the ward. It’s suprprising how quickly these charts keep filling up.
For a brief while, there was a pall of gloom over the otherwise busy ward. Then the bustle resumed. The screaming shouting and moaning resumed.
There is this funny rule for us social workers. We cant cry in front of the clients. So I took a small walk to the end of the corridor and paid my last respects to the small body wrapped in white. Cried a little too. and then went on for my ramble.
My co worker came looking for me in a bit and took my hands in his. It’s ok he tells me. I notice the red in his eyes. It’s funny. We hide from each other and cry. And then we meet and pretend to be strong.
We sit together for a long time. Not speaking a word. Not looking at each other. We both understand the need for silence.
After the long awkward silence, he reaches out for my hand and we hold hands for a while, silently comforting each other and then get up, without speaking a word.
Back to the ward.
-Neha
Tags: burns injuries, Sir Sayaji General Hospital, Vadodara, Burns Ward, infant mortality
Isaiah says:
I saw a girl with 100 percent burns. She was all ash.
November 19th, 2005 at 10:34 pm
anirudh says:
neha i am stirred by wat ever u leave here.
November 20th, 2005 at 02:04 pm
Ajay says:
proud of you sweety..
though i claim to be ur best friend out here, i think accolades are to your field co-worker for being supportive.
hope these experiences make u understand that life is precious… short.. and of course sweet. enjoy it to the fullest.. without any complaints and expectation WHATSOEVER.. u never know where u fall…
December 3rd, 2005 at 03:38 pm