Happy Goodbyes

Life on the ship is full of goodbyes. But those goodbyes are not always sad and sorrowful events.

Plastic surgery finished a few weeks ago. The surgeon who had been operating on our patients with burn contractures, extra fingers or toes, gigantism of various limbs, etc., returned home. But many of his patients remained in the hospital, their surgeries were complete but their wounds still requiring daily dressing changes and special care.

The Plastics Team

For some, struggling with infection, or slow wound healing, it seems as if they would never go home. This week we celebrated with two patients who had been in the hospital for over two months. Finally their wounds were healed and they were ready to leave the ship. They will still return to us several times a week,for physical therapy so this is not yet a final goodbye, but we will no longer see their faces on the ward.

Saying Goodbye

One of the patients that left this week was young Benjamine. Benjamine came to us with severe burn contractures to her neck and both arms. She had been burned when her clothing caught fire. But she still had a beautiful smile.

Benjamine at screening

Benjamine was with us for so long that she knew almost everyone in the hospital and believe me when I say she was loved by all. On the day she was discharged, we had a surprise goodbye party for her on Deck 7. Many of the nurses who had cared for Benjamine came to wish her goodbye. It was a time of smiles, hugs, and laughter. And perhaps also a few tears.


Goodbye Hugs and Smiles

She still returns to the ship for physical therapy, and always stops by the wards to say "Hello" to the nurses, with bright smiles and hugs for all.