In my travels to other countries, I have often been struck by the generosity of people who literally have nothing. I do not think, however, that this is unique to other cultures. At least, I have recently seen this phenomenon alive here in this very country. I just didn't realize it would take the expectant life of my newborn to make me aware.
The patient population I care for is very indigent. We use this term around the hospital a lot- our "indigent" patients. The definition of indigent means "lacking food, clothing, and other necessities of life because of poverty; needy; poor; impoverished." Yep, that's our patients.
I have been surprised several times during these last few weeks of my pregnancy by patients bringing me baby gifts. As I have taken care of them for several years now, I know their social histories. These are people who've been unable to afford 3 dollar copays on certain medications and who wear the same dirty t-shirts to multiple visits. Yet, they've shown up with their gifts- the dollar general labels still on them- sometimes gift wrapped, sometimes still in the plastic bag from the store. I want to tell them no, to use the money spent for themselves, but there is always such pride and pleasure in their eyes as they hand over the present, that I can't.
It's overwhelming when you encounter pure generosity. I think these gifts of clothing and baby powder and diaper wipes will be cherished even more than the gifts given with ease.
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