Stubbed Toe

Wednesday, July 10, 2013-

Jacmel, Haiti

Haiti Family Initiative Medical Clinic



 “Madame, Madame”, this little boy calls to me.  He directs his eyes to his left foot.  One toe is stubble down below the toe nail.  Gravel is imbedded in the wound.  Dried blood cakes the broken nail. I get a bucket and partially fill it with water.  I throw in a bar of soap.  He dips his foot in the bucket and the water immediately turned a crusty grey.  He eagerly takes the soap and cleans between his toes.

Beth, our nurse, comes over and examines his now cleaned foot.  She examines the wound and decides that this wound is still not clean enough.  So she dabs it with hydrogen peroxide.  I look around for a bandage to accommodate this wound on this tiny toe.

With bandages in hand, I also bring a bar of soap for him to take home.  I hope he will clean this wound again.  As I hand him the soap and several bandages, he calls to me again.  

“Madame” and he mimes brushing his teeth.  He wants a toothbrush.  So I find one for him.  I also give him some toothpaste. And I throw in some dental floss as well.

Just then, Lynn comes in.  She found some flip-flops for him.  They are just a little too small.  It’s the only pair we have so she is disappointed that they do not quite fit.  She reaches down to take them back.  But that little boy won’t surrender them.  This poor fit is better than no fit.

He leaves with his toes bandaged, his pockets stuffed with bandages, soap, toothbrush and paste.  When he gets to the door, he turns back and looks at the three of us.

“Merci Madams", he shouts gratefully.  He flashes a broad smile that melts us.  He then runs off to play soccer with the other kids.

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