The following entry is from Heather Bourque, one of our adult participants here with us in Northern Thailand. Heather is a flight attendant with Air Canada (which is how she first heard of Absolute: she was on one of Vaden’s flights!) and she is also a professional photographer. Much of her work can be seen in our book, ONE: A Face Behind the Numbers. Heather has been with us in Thailand three times, and she says that every time is a new adventure and full of amazing memories! Heather is from Montreal.
I can’t remember her name but I will never forget what she did that day. Although I had met her earlier and saw her bright smile, it was not until later that I truly saw her. She sat on the Thai-Myanmar border amongst the street kids and opened up her very basic first aid kit (a small plastic box with a few medications). She pulled out a pair of protective gloves and put them on. I watched, closely anticipating that she would pull out some medications or ointment for the children, as the were in need of various medical treatments. However, instead, a small pair of nail clippers came out. Starting with the smallest child, barely 1 year old, she clipped his tiny little fingernails with great precision and love. With a beautiful smile on her face, she than went on to his toe nails with equal meticulousness. As she came close to being done, another street child would be waiting in line, in most cases anxiously, to get their nails done.
She went from one tiny dirty fingernail to the next with great care and love. Giving 60 seconds of love to each and every child. The hugs and kisses came her way endlessly as she did this humble job with such finesse. Without hesitation, she reciprocated every hug and smile that came her way. These tiny, filthy, beautiful human beings craving love, even for just 60 seconds of it, would come soak in what they could. And still, she continuously gave. With a few more hugs and many more smiles thrown to each one, she went on.
Soon the children would return to the bridge to beg in their torn up clothing on their dirt-laced little bodies. But now, they would returnwith a memory of love. Even if only for a brief moment that day, they were loved like every child should be. And in a simple chile worldview, they trust that she will come back. They know she will return, as she always does.
This morning, as I sit on my bed and reach for my nail clippers, a smile comes to my face.
Although at times I question humanity with the countless struggles we have in this world, today I wake with hope. Hope for these few children because they are loved.
