Goodbye, Barlad

It was our last day of working with the children. Gabi and Alexandra left in the morning. Gabi will apparently be going to a foster family and Alexandra was going back to the placement center. 

As the afternoon drew to a close, we said our goodbyes to the children who have made such a special impression on my heart. It was very meaningful to receive big hugs and kisses from the staff as we were leaving. It has been a great two weeks that, as usual, makes a deep impression on my life. The dear children and the staff are in my thoughts and prayers. It is at this time that I tell myself that quote attributed to Dr. Seuss, “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.”  Goodbye, Barlad.

Entry submitted by: Steve

  

Message of the Day - Lorraine: “The heart that gives, gathers.”  - Marianne Moore                 

            

Bringing toys to the children

The day started with breakfast and a quote from Steve about how one should never forget a kindness bestowed upon them but one who bestows a kindness should never remember. The day was filled with lots of activity. The children were very active. Alina put a hoodie sweatshirt on her head and acted like it was long hair. It was hilarious. She tossed her “hair” from side to side and it was quite the sight. She would show me her “hair” and I would exclaim how beautiful she looked. It is a reminder that every little girl, no matter her circumstances, wants to feel beautiful. Emma, Luca, Alexandra, and Ionut loved being held today. Alexandra and Alina loved being walked up and down the halls.

At dinner we had delicious Italian food, but the highlight of the evening was delivering toys that we had bought earlier in the evening to the hospital after dinner. Steve bought the children a rocking horse, an easel, and a walker while I bought a push cart which encourages children to walk. Bringing them to the hospital was met with squeals of delight and it felt like Christmas morning. It was a wonderful day.

Entry submitted by: Cher

Message of the Day - Steve: “He who receives a benefit should never forget it; he who bestows a benefit should not remember it.”  - Pierre Charrin

Greeted with smiles

After breakfast at the hotel we again headed to the hospital. We were greeted by Delia’s smile and some other smiles but some other sounds as well. At 10 a.m. when the bottles came, they were greeted by some – others turned their heads. Luciana had her IV moved again and does not want to eat. Ionut also has a red throat now but he eats anyway – his appetite over powers his sore throat. Alina is still wearing her surgical mask and Alexandra carrying her chair to a good place to sit. Delia was sure to let anyone know if they had a toy she thinks is hers.

After lunch at the Hotel Moldova, Mihaela took us to the hospital and played dolls with Alexandra, Luciana, and Delia. I spent late afternoon with sweet Emma whose temperature was normal today. As Cher lovingly rocked Dan, I’m sure he thought he was in heaven. As we left, we were again serenaded so we need not wonder if they enjoy our presence. Another day is history at the Barlad Children’s Hospital.

Entry submitted by: Lorraine

  

Message of the Day - Cher: “I am but one drop in the ocean, but without me the ocean would be less.” - Mother Teresa

In great spirits to see the children

The day started out rainy, but that didn’t dampen our spirits to see the children. We are kind of in our routine in terms of giving the children bottles, yogurt, cereal, mashed bananas, and other food. If we get out of the routine, Ionut is there to let us know.  Emma seems to be feeling better and today Cher held Dan for a while. Delia put on a show for the doctor by tapping her toy to light it up and get the music playing. Alina was playing doctor by walking around with her face mask. Sammy and Luca went for walks. Alexandra was being her usual good self. Luciana had her IV stuck in her foot, so we watched her closely. Gabby was being good and our dear Andrei again ate yogurt. We think the children were sad to see us leave at the end of the day because they seemed to almost cause a riot with their screaming after we put them back in their cribs. We ended the day with a good dinner at Alona.  The executive chef, when he found out Americans were in the restaurant, introduced himself to us explaining that he worked in the States for a number of years.  

Entry submitted by: Steve  

Message of the Day - Steve: “To the world you might just be one person, but to one person, you just might be the world.”