As coworker Caroline and I walked into the echo clinic of Sheba Medical Center today, we found one year old Watan in the arms of his father as the two of them happily smiled at each other. It was a beautiful image of love between a father and son to find. In fact, this image was evident during many moments of Watan’s visit. Their family had come from their home in Jenin in order for Watan to receive an echo, to ensure his heart was still doing well after his surgery in May.
His visit began in the echo clinic where he was set on the table— doctor on one side, dad on the other. Though moments before he had been happily cooing as we played with him in the waiting room, that quickly changed as soon as the echo began.
He immediately started crying and both his parents worked ceaselessly to get him to be quiet and still. Only by their combined effort was this partly accomplished. A number of times he started crying again, and his father who stood by his side gently and lovingly distracted him again. When the patient doctor completed the echo, she directed Watan into the next room where he was to receive an ECG.
Without having much of a chance to recover from the echo, Watan was placed on the ECG table where a bunch of wires were attached to him. Immediately the crying began again, along with the frantic work of his parents to quiet him. In the end, it took the nurse, and both parents to keep him still long enough for the test to be completed. But, praise the Lord, he got both tests done even if it was accompanied by lots of crying and screaming.
His parents patiently endured all of this, and later told me they would do anything in order to get their son the care he needs— even if it meant some very noisy and chaotic visits to the doctor. Thankfully, as soon as we went back to the waiting room Watan was perfectly happy again. Now we just had to wait for a while until the doctor was free to look over the results of the tests, and discuss if there needed to be any further treatment. While waiting, Watan was doted on by both of his parents, and by Caroline and I.
He received balloons galore, and a number of toys from a hospital cart passing these out to children. His father tied a balloon to his wrist and we all shared in a great deal of laughter as Watan crawled around the room and the balloon floated faithfully behind him. It turns out this little guy is quite speedy, and the balloon acted as a tracking device as he made his way around the room. We all had to take turns chasing Watan down to bring him back to a closer distance.
After a little while longer, the doctor finally called us into his room where he shared the results of the tests. Praise the Lord, Watan’s heart looks wonderful! As of right now, no further treatment is needed. He is healthy and thriving. His parents are both relieved as they were scared the tests would show an alternative result. Their faces lit up with joy to know that their precious son, whom they clearly love so deeply, is doing so well.
Once the doctor dismissed them, only after having played with Watan himself, their family headed home. As they were leaving, they shared their great gratitude towards the staff at Sheba Medical Center, and at the support provided through Shevet Achim. We are grateful to know this family feels loved and supported. We give the Lord all the glory! May He bless them richly.
