Societies of Caregivers

"You will be strengthened and yet inspired to know the limits and extent of your ability to serve." -Henry B. Eyring

Today I visited Aurelia in the hospital again. She seemed to be doing worse today then yesterday. Her face is more swollen and bruised. She also looked really tired. She told us she hasn't been sleeping very well. It made her really happy when we stopped by though. I'm really happy we did. It was good to keep her company and bring her some soup. Andreea came with us too. I hope she gets better soon! We let the missionaries know she was there and I'm hoping the elders will have time today to go give her a blessing.

So the whole time I have been in Romania we have talked about going to the hospital on saturday but we never actually have. Well today Katelyn and me went to the hospital. It was weird going on a saturday. The hospital was less busy. It didn't have as many people visiting and stuff. It also didn't feel like a saturday because we were at the hospital and normally we don't go on saturdays. Katelyn and me met the nicest people on the 8th floor. When we first got there the baby was crying and the 2 adults in the room were trying to find a nurse cause they thought the baby was hungry. They were right the baby was hungry. The nurse told us they aren't feeding her until 4 though. It was good to see people in the same room as the babies without moms concerned about them. The 2 adults in the room were visiting their niece, who was in the hospital. The grandma of the little girl was there too along with her mom. It was good seeing a family support each other. I don't think I have seen that since being in romania. That family definitely loved and supported each other. They were very nice. They asked me and Katelyn where we were from and what we were doing here. They asked if we were mothers and we both said no. The grandma told us we are very good with the kids. She was very sweet of her and what a nice compliment. It was very nice to meet this family. Big Eliana is on the 7th floor. She was sleeping when we got there. We left her some stickers and some coloring pages so she knew we were there.

On the 5th floor I found out more about the little girl with beautiful red brown hair. The little baby that Katelyn knows her mom. The babies name is Alexandra and her one foot is broken, along with her hands. I don't understand why the doctors haven't done anything for her. She is in so much pain whenever she moves. She has a really sad cry. The ladies in the room told Katelyn yesterday that the mom just left her there. They also said that they don't think she is coming back. That just breaks my heart. I don't know how anyone could ever do that. I hope with all my heart she comes back for her baby. If she doesn't I at least hope she will relinquish her rights so the baby can be adopted. If they can't find her mom again then that baby can never be adopted. I do not like that in Romania they have to find their parents and have them relinquish before they can adopt. What if they can't find their parents and the child does not have any family visit them? I think after a certain time of no contact from family the child should be able to be adopted. That is what is best for the child- to be adopted. Not to stay in a placement center, hospital or some facility. I hope sometime soon the law for adoption here in Romania will change. This little girl is so precious. I think all three of us would gladly take this baby girl home. I know I would. Little Eliana is also on the 5th floor. She was sleeping when got to her. Me and Katelyn decided not to wake her up so we just left diapers for her. Ion was asleep too. We didn't wake him either. There is a little baby boy with down syndrome in the ICU. He is really small and has a box over his head. The box has oxygen blowing inside to help him. Every time I am in the ICU I am drawn to him.  He is such a precious little boy. I spend a lot of time while I am in the ICU with him. I will rub his belly or hand and hum primary songs to him. I also will touch his cheeks from time to time. I wish I could hold him. Who knows the last time when he was held. It has probably been awhile. I'm happy whenever I get to see him though!

Alexandra

I am starting to realize that we are all caregivers and together we make up a society. Especially here in Romania. All of the people that have came on this internship make up a society. Caring for these children takes a team, a loving and unified society. The Lord loves me for any part I play. 

"Whenever you have cared for someone for even a short time, you have felt love for the person you have served. As the time to provide needed care grew longer, the feelings of love increased... Our evidence of His appreciation is that God allows you to feel increasing love for those you serve. That is a reason why you weep at the death of someone you have served for a long time. Losing the chance to care for them can feel like an even greater loss than does the temporary separation."