Meet S.
Superman.
That is what he is to me.
Without a cape and a fancy rubber suit.
Bravest man that has ever entered my life.
S is my little nephew.
Calls me 'tutka'.
And he is the only one I allow to call me like that.
I was privileged to follow this little man's journey to the adulthood.
We have a special connection, the two of us - and we are very much alike.
He is now 14.
And had 8 surgeries so far.
Of which his first was when he was 10 days old.
And the one he had when he was 4, that changed his life entirely, lasted 14 long hours.
But I will not be writing about that.
All of you who know me - you know what we all went trough and how he got to where he is now.
I wrote about it so many times before; for other blogs, press, charity, ...
And it was all over the press last May.
Even on BBC, CNN, The SUN, The Daily Mail.
These are the people who made the magic happen.
Among all the others (to whom we are eternally grateful), they managed to collect tremendous amount of money not only for S's surgeries in UK, but for other children charities as well.
This is the man who started the ball rolling.
Back in 2003.
He is a good friend now.
Almost a family.
W.
We get along as cat and dog do, me and him.
Very persuasive, proactive, talkative.
Focused on goal.
I like men like that.
If you have a cause and he supports it - he will nail it, trust me.
He helped build an orphanage in Mauritania.
He even managed to get us appointment with prince Andrew!
Hehe.
My dear W.
If you were here now the two of us would probably fight over who is righter than right.
If you are reading this - kiss the girls, hug the boys and tell Jack I said 'Hi' ;).
For all of you who wonder - Jack is a friend, and he is turning 18.
S and W met when S was only 3 years old.
Became friends instantly.
W is British, and was at my hometown for six months.
He met with my cousin, S's father, and they became friends.
I have such a likable family, we are very chatty/loud/opinionated and we take you in - just like that.
Though we will kick you out fast - if you are no good character.
W fought for S's cause like mad.
Writing to many.
Beckams, The Queen.
Charities.
Press.
And it worked out.
In over ten years he helped raised over 100 000 GBP.
And this man here, Dr D, did it all for free.
Let's get back to S.
Notice he is smiling on photos.
Even on this one.
Taken in 2003.
What is so special about it?
He just had surgeries that required administration of morphine as a painkiller afterwards.
Had a tube that went right into his little heart.
He could barely see for few days.
And not even once he complained.
Ever.
On anything.
Even on pain.
Or itching.
Dr said he never had a patient like that.
And he had quite.
S was always smiling.
Making friends wherever he went.
I had a surgery last year.
Minor one, took two hours - nothing much.
And I was nagging for a week after. At least.
But S, even in bandages - was up for a walk.
Any time - anywhere.
We were in London!
God forbid he misses something!
We went to museums, explored the entire Westminster, South Kensington, Oxford St. - mostly by foot!
Though he had to find the time for all the press.
Amazing people we met on this journey.
Plus brave children.
You could learn so much from them.
Like this little Arabian girl.
Who was 9 last May.
And spent all her life at GOSH.
Very smart, fluent in english, quite a funny character.
Able to do impersonations, she could host a TV show!
She had good and bad days.
And she adored S.
There never was a day that she would not come over to check on him.
O my dear sweet girl, I hope you are doing well and you are home with your brothers and sisters.
And finally, the GOSH.
Financed mostly by donations.
Remarkable place.
Top of the class personnel.
Best education they have.
They do things there that are beyond our comprehension.
GOSH is dedicated to the well-being of children.
Designed in such way that it feels least like a hospital.
This is what you see at the entrance.
And this place is PACKED with toys!
Any toy in the world - they have it.
And is free for all to grab and play with whenever!
Each ward has a little playground, a kitchenette, balcony.
Clowns visit frequently.
Kids are treated as if they were in school or kindergarten - not in hospital.
Doctors do not wear coat.
Teachers come in often.
And kids play a lot.
You could hear tapping of their little feet, dragging the infusion stands wherever they went - whispering or shouting, laughing at each other.
Playing under masks.
Making you gift cards.
You could join them any time.
Playing with glitter and glue.
And the personnel...Everyone is always smiling at you.
Even the doctors.
Ask if you need anything.
And someone is always there.
You can play with a fish pond at the entrance.
Amazing isn't it?
Such details they took care of.
And this is the elevator.
I agree that it is too bad that we need hospitals for children - but imagine that you can provide such health care for all children. Equally.
Yes it is expensive.
But you know what is not expensive?
Smile.
And a kind word.
And I had to travel far away to UK and into one hospital in order to be reminded that smile costs nothing.
Pitty, isn't it?
........
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