An Unexpected Role Model for Wound Care

God always has an angel of help for those who are willing to do their duty. – T.L. Cuyler

  During my travels through the years, I have met some extraordinary people. They have included scientists who have made great discoveries; leaders of organizations, states, and countries; accomplished musicians; military heroes; and influential religious leaders, however, today I met one of the most amazing people I have ever had the opportunity to meet—the caregiver of one of our paraplegic patients.

   patient was being treated for a presacral ulcer. We had been seeing the patient for several months and her wound was healing very well, but I had never met the patient’s caregiver. I just presumed the person could not come to the patient’s appointments. On several occasions, I remember telling the patient to congratulate her caregiver because of the great care being provided. Today, at the patient’s appointment, I met her caregiver and understood why she could not make the appointments. She was in school—elementary school—she is only 11 years old! Before going to school each day, she cleans and dresses her mother’s presacral ulcer and helps her mother get ready for the day. At the end of each day, she cleans and dresses the ulcer and helps her mother get ready for bed. She had repeated this routine every day for many months. What an amazing young lady!

  I asked if she were interested in being a doctor or nurse. She said, “No way.” She assured me that she had absolutely no interest in anything medical. She was willing to do this because her mother needed her help. I was reminded of a quotation by Robert Frost, “The world is full of willing people, some willing to work, the rest willing to let them.”

  This 11 year old stepped up to meet the challenge before her. I have worked with adults who have not done as good a job with wound care as this young lady. I congratulated her on helping her mother and praised her excellent wound care. I also gave her my cell phone number, encouraging her to call anytime she had questions or problems. I wanted her to know that she had the support of the entire wound center as she did her best to help her mother.

  How many 11 year olds do you know who would be willing to do what this young girl is doing? Most children this age are all about themselves, their friends, their video games. Few have any concern or thought about others unless they will personally benefit. Not only was this young lady helping her mother, but she was not complaining about the tasks she was asked to do nor about what she might be missing by doing so. She readily accepted the circumstances thrust upon her and was doing her best. I agree with Edwin Louis, who said, “Maturity comes not with age but with the acceptance of responsibility.” This young lady is showing her maturity.

  I can truly say it was a pleasure to meet this amazing young lady. I hope her example of taking responsibility and doing what is asked of her to the best of her ability, without complaint, will be followed by the rest of us no matter our age. There are times when each of us will be called to do something unpleasant or inconvenient. I hope we are willing to put our entire effort into the project and accomplish it without complaint. After all, our task on earth is to help others we meet.