No Translation Needed

There is a new mama on my favorite ward (B Ward) named Felicia. She has twin boys (my favorite) named James and Moses. These darling 21 month old babies are quite the handful! I spent this Saturday on the ward and was able to get to know Felicia a little. In the afternoon the nurses took most of the patients up to Deck 7 for some fresh air but because of Moses' medical equipment they had to stay inside.

I decided to remain behind for a little bit and was able to talk to Felicia. She told me about the boys father and how he left after she became pregnant. There was so much hurt in her voice as she spoke of him. She still saw him and his sister even visited her their first night on the ship. Then she spoke about how she was so worried once they both became sick because she had no idea how she would pay for the medical care. Felicia had already spent a few hundred dollars at JFK Hospital on the boys and knew they would have to suffer awhile before she saved up enough.

I could barely translate her Liberian English. She spoke so quickly and there was so much emotion in her voice. This was a lady who was hurt, had suffered so much and worried for awhile about her boys. And although our lives have differed in so many ways I could translate this. I am sure there was a bit of the story lost in translation. But the raw human side was so easy to hear and feel. Felicia is a lovely woman, a wonderful mother and so amazing. I love being able to sit with her and the boys and am happy they are both recovering so well. It really is such a gift to be able to share these moments.