Indexing Title: BCDEVEZA’s Medical Anecdotal Report [ 06 – 1]

MAR Title: Eventually Becoming a Godfather

Date of Medical Observation:  Jan. 2006

Narration

            A 4-month-old female was referred to us by the Department of Pediatrics for possible CTT. She was considered to have Pleural Effusion on the right since her chest x-ray showed a completely white right lung field. We referred this to our service consultant and  suggested for an ultrasound of the right hemithorax to determine if there are loculations or any mass present. Ultrasound was done and initial impression was consolidation. We referred back the results to our consultant and we were advised that treatment for such condtion is medical.

After three days, patient was referred back. They informed us that the Radiology consultant reviewed the ultrasound and his impression was empyema thoracis, not consolidation. We relayed the findings to our consultant and she told us that we can do thoracentesis first and then CTT. And so, we prepared the patient. I talked to the mother and told her about the condition of her child. I explained the procedure that we are going to do. “Kayo na po ang bahala. Alam ko naman na gagawin niyo kung ano ang makakabuti para kay Kristine”, she told me. We did an ultrasound guided thoracentesis and true enough, obtained purulent material. We then decided to do CTT.

Patient’s condition improved and remained stable for the rest of her hospital stay.

The following day, we made our rounds. Our patient was doing well and was very much active. As I was about to leave the room, the mother approached me and said, “ Maraming salamat po at nakaraos na ang anak ko. Meron po sana akong gustong hilingin sa inyo.” “ Ano po ‘yun”, I asked. “ Kukunin ko po kayong ninong sa binyag ni Kristine. Nagdesisyon po ako na dito na siya pabinyagan. Sana pumayag kayo.” I was surprised but I easily said, “Sige po.”

The following day, we had a simple baptismal rites at the Pediatric ward. The Pediatric resident who took care of her stood as the godmother.

Insights (Physical, Psychosocial, Ethical) (Discovery, Stimulus, Reinforcements):

This experience reminded me of a thing that my grandmother usually tells me when she was still alive. That if someone invites or gets you to be a “ninong”, you should NEVER say no. I asked her why. And the only reason that she always tell me is that the parents or guardian of the child saw something GOOD in me.

In our culture, there is a high regard for godparents because they are considered as second parents of the child. There are no qualifications needed in order to be such. You just have to be who and what you are.

I must admit that I’m already a godfather to a number of children but I would say that this one is extra special. I know I did something good but deep inside, there’s something more than that. Somehow, I feel blessed and fullfilled.