International Arts in Medicine Project - Changed by a Child

A Journey of Hope and Healing in Montero, Bolivia

Dr. Lalinde joined four U.S.-based pediatricians in May, 2009 for a Rosa Vera Fund expedition to Montero, Bolivia, one of the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere. There they provided specialized care to children with special health care needs and their families. Dr. Lalinde was invited as the journalist and interviewed the many families who benefit from the Rosa Vera Fund’s work. Dr. Lalinde documented her experiences in Montero through prose and poetry and developed a small booklet that the Rosa Vera Fund uses to fundraise for ongoing support for the children and families in Montero. To learn more about the Rosa Vera Fund visit www.rosaverafund.org

Bolivia1

Bolivia4

The Mother’s Grief

The little boy with no left hand
was cute as he could be
he functioned beautifully
no worries had he.

It was his mother’s eyes
that filled with tears
as she heard me say

A good friend of mine
no hand had he
but was the best carpenter
you would ever see.

The pain of loss is the
mother’s to bear
the children born with less
can adjust comfortably.

Access to an American Doc
let me ask again
“What caused this terrible loss?”

The intuitive Dr Carrie
asked her back,
“What do you understand
it to be?”

“The doctors told me
I must have taken
something during
my pregnancy.”

“Oh my gosh no,”
replies the smart Doc
from Ohio.

While he was growing
the umbilical cord
wrapped around his wrist
leaving him just like this.”

The mother looked shocked
and so relieved

“Oh, it really wasn’t me!
I knew I hadn’t taken
anything bad
but no other explanation
could be had.”

The source of the misunderstanding
is hard to know

Fingers point everywhere
but during the dark hours of night
mothers point at their very own hearts.

The greatest gift
from Doc to Mom
looking straight into their eyes

Your guilt is misguided
and will get in your way
from bonding in a
healthy way.

Blow up a big balloon
put all your guilt inside
tie that sucker nice and tight

As it floats away
say goodbye.

This poem is cut short
balloons I need to find
my daughter’s birthday
would be today
How many should I buy?

Remorse is powerful
but bit by bit
we must let it go
so we can be fit.

Bolivia2

A Life Review

A life review
Oh, so now you are set free
says the man to my left
over a cup of tea.

Twisted bodies and
mothers’ broken hearts
speaking Spanish
in foreign parts.

The poor and the rich
living not far apart
but the quality of life
differences
can break your heart.

The patriarchal system
with women struggling
hard
the tightrope they walk
can be witnessed from
afar.

The love for their
children
but must not neglect
the man who is in
charge
who can knock you
dead.

The value of life
is given to the strong
broken babies bodies
bring a new song.

A life review
with pediatricians I
trailed
the knowledge they
brought
delivered with care.

The empowering
program
so dear to me
it once helped me
flourish
it helped me be me.

Here in Montero
Who knew?!
A time capsule–
a life review.

Bolivia3

< Prev