Throughout the time on the Rio Coco, my thoughts were often on “the story” that would tell how a person’s life would be forever changed due to this surgical mission. It was the very last day on the river that the perfect individual arrived on the scene. It was Santos…a 36 year old…from a community within Penas Blancas…an area that’s part of the Bosawas Biosphere Reserve in Nicaragua. He had walked to the village of Par Par (our last stop) and had waited a day or so for us to pick him up. During the first two days of being together, I checked on him often and slowly began to earn his trust. The morning of his surgery, using an interpreter, he agreed to tell us his story.
As a small child I knew I was different from others…and people would often laugh at me. I didn’t go to school for that reason, so today I cannot read or write. I did have an opportunity to have surgery when I was very young, but my father died and I had to move in with my uncle. There was no money to pay for the surgery. Even years later there was an opportunity, but there was never enough money. Then just recently, I learned through the local clinic that a boat would take me if I wanted to have surgery. I am very comfortable and confident about having the surgery and I’m very thankful to have this opportunity.
Santos is married and has three children…a son and two daughters…the oldest being six years old. He provides for his family using his uncles’s land to grow beans and corn. He doesn’t have any animals to tend to, but uses his machete to clear the land and work the fields. Until this trip he had never been anywhere outside of his community. His cousin accompanied him, leaving his wife and children for over a week to make this journey and have his surgery. When we asked what would be the first thing he’ll do when he returns home…I want to take good care of my surgery.
His surgery was very successful and was made even better by two dentists that came along with Dr. Retson and his team. This was Santos just a day after his surgery and already we could see what a huge difference the surgery had made, even with all the swelling.
Another 24 hours…the day of departure…
…a life forever changed.
photo courtesy of Healing, Health, and Hope
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The ultimate would be to return one day to locate Santos and his family and see how he’s getting along…perhaps a future visit? As I mentioned in my previous posting, it takes the amazing work of Esperanca, Healing, Health, and Hope and of course all the donations from people like you and me to make this all possbile. How fortunate we all are to be a part of it!
Oh my, what an amazing story. Tears flowing here just thinking of what a difference this made for Santos and his family. Many blessings on Santos, his family, and everyone that helped make this happen for Santos, and all the others that received life changing surgeries through the Esperanca, Healing, Health, and Hope missions. Love how you showcased Santos’s story with dignity and love. XoXo
Thanks so much!!! Love you!
I can’t imagine anyone more perfect than you to witness this amazing life change with Santos, dear Robin.
So sweet Susan…thank you…always!! xoxo
I can just picture the smile on his face (let alone yours) if you ever have a chance to go back and check up on him, Robin. OMG. That would be pure heaven…the second blessing. Till then, what Pure Gift!
OMG is right. I’m putting that trip on the list!!! Thank you!!
no words for this one. Only tears.
I so understand Cathy…thank you so much!
Robin, I followed this story closely, reading aloud to my husband and son. It is your personal account and simple, honest storytelling that touches my heart. I am so grateful to read a story that has no agenda or message . . . but only to convey the good that we can do for each other.
It seems we are often compelled to compare our situation in life to others – to see how we measure up. And while it is tempting to look at Santo’s story and feel sorry for him, I prefer to see his story as HIS. His courage to face his circumstance, his desire to care for his family, and his willingness to share his story. Santos is strong and his story is one of goodness.
Thank you Robin for venturing far from home and yet treating this man as though he were your closest neighbor. I’m crying too – but the tears are joyful ones.
You are so amazing. Thank you.
Beautiful, heartfelt story of Santos and his family. I can certainly understand why you wanted to share his journey on his own post.
Thank you for sharing his story with such love and respect.
I wish him good health and happiness and am very happy for the help he received.
Very heartwarming and no one can document this trip with more heart than you, Robin.
Bless all of the people who help these dear souls.
Yes, I’m sure you will cross paths again, Robin and I look forward to that day.
Thank you once again.
Love you.
XOXO
Thank you so much Lisa! Santos really touched my heart and even more so knowing that his children will have an opportunity to have a more complete family experience! xoxoxo
Santos is a brave man and that he is willing to go through this very tough operation, amazing. Life changing indeed. Now I have a very question. I noticed that many people have a cleft palette or something wrong with their body. I remember when Chernobyl exploded in Russia and the eastern wind took all that nuclear dust all over Europe, many children were born with issues like cleft palettes, fingers grown together, less fingers, less toes, or too many of each…. Am I thinking too far, or is it a case of bad hygiene over the years?? with the dangerous waste…
I am so glad at least some are being helped..
Love and hugs.
When you think about it…these individuals and families are so brave to trust…their children being the most important part of their life…being handed over to gringos in an environment they’ve never been in…outside their village and in a hospital…in hopes for a good outcome. I understand that it’s a combination of genetic and environmental factors…maternal illness, interbreeding, malnutrition. Interesting that many of the children are hidden in the villages and never even given a chance to get help. So sad. Always appreciate your comments, questions and interest!!! xoxoxo
Simply wonderful.
i missed this post! How could I ? Can you imagine the smile anf happiness when he returns to his village? How is life will change after what you managed to do for him? I love how you describe how hard his life has been so far. I have the greatest respect for those people who put their children and family first!