A Journey with Mother and Child
Sister Rita K. Kerr, SFP and Sister Pauline Sweeney, SFP
On Monday evening at 9:00 an emergency call came from Paola telling me about her plight: her daughter Sophia was extremely ill. Sophia had said to her mother, “Mom, call the Sisters they will help us.” Within five minutes, I picked up Sophia and Paola and rushed to Children’s Hospital at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital. After registration we waited about six hours until the pediatrician in the emergency room called her name. Within minutes, Sophia was diagnosed with appendicitis. I decided to leave Mother and child, and returned home at 4:00 in the morning. At about 7:00 a.m. the telephone rang. Sophia’s grandmother was calling from Chile and was asking in Spanish about her little one. I was able to converse with her (with my French and a few Spanish words). Paola called at about 9:00 a.m. to let us know that they were still in the emergency room waiting for a bed. At 5:00 that evening Sophia was taken to her room and was still waiting for the operation. It was 10:30 p.m. when the doctor arrived and said all was in readiness. We held hands and prayed for the doctors and nurses and all who would be caring for this little girl. Sophia was very brave when going to the operating room with Mama at her side, all dressed in a white gown, mask, etc. Paola stayed until the anesthesiologist put Sophia to sleep. We sat and prayed and shared for close to two hours. Finally the doctor came and said all went well and that Sophia would soon be taken to her room. Paola slept in the same room on a pullout bed. I went home at 12:15 a.m.
I received another call in the morning from Chile and this time had good news for grandmother. In her English, she said, “Thank you Sisters for being there for my daughter and granddaughter. I love you!” Paola then called to tell us that Sophia would be discharged after breakfast. Knowing that there would be much paper work, I suggest that she call when they were ready to leave and I would be at the hospital waiting for them. It was the day before Thanksgiving and I said to Sr. Rita, “How can we let them go home with no family, no one to help them?” Rita responded, “Bring them here and we will help during this crucial time. ” Our friend and Associate, Bridie Armstrong, had come to help to prepare pies for Thanksgiving. When the call came at 1:30 p.m. that Sophia was almost ready, we both went to the hospital. I stayed in the car and Bridie helped Paola with her belongings. Soon we had her home, in bed with Mother next to her. Paola soon fell asleep since it had been 32 hours with practically no sleep. We took turns in keeping Sophia happy and busy. It was truly a wonderful experience caring, sharing with Mother and Child. After consultation with Paola, we invited her to stay a few extra days, so Paola herself could regain her strength after this emotional ordeal. Sophia bounced back to health in no time.
On Monday Sophia went to school and Sr. Rita and Sr. Pauline picked her up, helped with homework, and kept her busy until Paola came home from work. On Tuesday evening it was time to go back home to their apartment. After a dinner of spaghetti and meatballs (Sophia’s favorite meal), we went to Chapel to give thanks to God for the healings that had taken place in all of us during this special time. We received and experienced the hard work of a single mother, caring, loving, sharing, protecting a child she cherishes and loves. One does not have to go far to do God’s work in helping those in need. Our Convent is quiet now; we are back to our routine. We did promise an overnight during the Christmas Holidays. Children are a blessing…… We were given a special blessing and grace to begin our Advent Season. We had room in our inn for Mother and Child.
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