Hospitals are sad places where death, grief and grave illness lurks in every corner. Doctors, certainly those visiting hospitals, are subjected to patients and families in the grip of the very worst news, coping with the terribleness of the moment and the knowledge that what is to come is far worse. The loss of a loved one.
It is no wonder doctors turn to writing. They see so much, most of it despair. Their powers of observation are honed as they work with their patients towards recovery or to meet a peaceful end.
Every patient is a walking poem and doctors must be able to read between the lines in order to fully understand them. They can't rely solely on anatomy textbooks and machines--on a list of symptoms. They must have keen skills of observation, an ability to understand subtext, to do careful character studies, to closely examine narrative in order for their patients to become truly visible. They must always seek out the unseen, listen for intrinsic rhythms.
One could say the same thing about a writer. Indeed, it's no wonder that doc-lit is almost becoming a genre of its own. W. Somerset Maugham, one in a long line of physician-writers, always maintained that he did not "know a better training for a writer than to spend some years in the medical profession." And Jerome Groopman, author of the influential
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By: Sophia Whitfield,
on 12/1/2011
Blog: Sophia Whitfield Children's Book Publisher (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Disablity, Add a tag
‘IDPwD promotes the participationof people with disability in society and the goal of full and equal enjoymentof human rights.’
The International Day of Peoplewith a Disability includes the celebration of the National Disability Awards,which recognise the contribution individuals orgroups have made to the disability sector. The National Disability Awards andthe day will be celebrated around the country with activities and events.
Each year the UN announces atheme for the day. This year it is: “Together for a better world for all:Including persons with disabilities in development”.
In the last 20 years we have comea long way, but more can be done to ensure inclusion, equality and better care.My son, Luke, is about to turn 20 and has been integrated throughout his schoollife into mainstream schools. He has severe cerebral palsy, which has thrownmany challenges his way, but with the right support he has found a place forhimself in the community. A recent article I wrote, The Ability of Disabilitygives you some insight into our son’s life so far.
Volunteering for the Cerebral PalsyAlliance (formerly The Spastic Centre) as a Just Like You! presenter has openedmy eyes. With a fellow presenter I go into schools and speak to children inYear 5 and 6 about the challenges of disability. It has become obvious thatinclusion is the key to better understanding. The schools that have alreadybeen introduced to disability through a child in the school have a far betterunderstanding than those who have never had any involvement with people with disabilities.If more children are integrated into mainstream school, then their fellowstudents learn acceptance and compassion, but most of all their fear thatinitially comes with seeing another child or adult with a disability quickly dissipates.If you are a teacher and are interested in the Just Like You! Program you cancontact the Cerebral Alliance directly.
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By: Sophia Whitfield,
on 10/1/2011
Blog: Sophia Whitfield Children's Book Publisher (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
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Lukeis finally home from hospital. Hurrah! We are so pleased to have him back home.
Hearrived home on Friday and so far so good. Six boxes of medical supplies havebeen unpacked for the next few weeks. The intravenous feeds are working welland we now have a sterile home. Luke’s doctor called this morning to check upon him, very good of him considering it is a Sunday and a long weekend. The nursing staff at Manly Hospital also called to see how he was and to wish his team good luck in the grand final! All staff , in both hospitals, are well aware of where Luke's loyalties lie when it comes to the NRL.
So today holds special meaning. I have baked a cake tocelebrate.
Lukeand his dad would usually be at the game, but today he is not up to it so weare having a small gathering at home instead.
Hopingfor a win. Go Manly!
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By: Sophia Whitfield,
on 6/29/2011
Blog: Sophia Whitfield Children's Book Publisher (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Children, Disablity, Add a tag
Over the last week we have had numerous messages of concern and support. I thank you for them all. Forgive me for not getting back to you all individually.
Most of you who have followed this blog for some time will know we have a 19-year-old son with severe cerebral palsy and that 11 days ago he underwent emergency surgery to release a twisted bowel. His recovery was difficult and six days after the surgery he contracted pneumonia and became very ill. He was admitted to ICU and given oxygen along with numerous other drugs to stabilise him. Two days later he needed further surgery as his wound had deteriorated. He was not able to breathe on his own after this surgery and had to be ventilated.
Both his lungs had collapsed.
On the weekend he was seriously ill, not able to breathe for himself with a bleak predicament the only prospect ahead of us.
Today he was taken off the ventilator and is now breathing for himself. An enormous step forward.
He has fought valiantly over the last few days. His body is weak and always has been, but he has a tenacious mind and a determination that has seen him come through his latest battle, a battle many would have succumbed to. Even in his sedated state he would briefly open his eyes and acknowledge our presence as if to say – I’m hanging in here - not going anywhere. The drugs seem to have affected his short-term memory so he has no recollection of the visitors he had yesterday, but is aware at the time that friends and family are with him.
Our son has an incredible love of life and is loved by many. The steady stream of visitors that have upset the normal running of ICU are testament to that. He is refusing to let anyone down and battling on.
He is now where he was when he first came into hospital and will need time to recover from his surgery and to recommence with his feeds through his peg tube, which so far he has not been able to tolerate. Now he is no longer sedated pain management is the next hurdle, followed by a recovery.
How pleased I am to be able to use that word today -recovery. He has a long road ahead and hospital will be his home for a while, but today was the first positive step forward.
As my husband and I maintain our watch by our son’s bedside our business is being managed competently by a core group of staff. If you don’t hear from us you can always call the office and they will help you out.
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By: Imagination-Cafe Magazine,
on 10/4/2010
Blog: Imagination-Cafe Blog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: back to school, blog for kids, books on dogs, disablity, assistance dogs, picture books, help, Add a tag
Blog: Imagination-Cafe Blog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: back to school, blog for kids, books on dogs, disablity, assistance dogs, picture books, help, Add a tag
Nito helps Chloe find her clothes in the morning, goes to school and swimming therapy with her, as well as the grocery store and restaurant. Nito even gets to ride on the ferris wheel.
Nito Meets Chloe written by Judith M. Newton is the second book in the three part series. These books are based on actual assistance dogs and shows children how they are an important part of a disabled person's life.
Nito Meets Chloe is available at Amazon.com or at; http://www.assistancedogsofthewest.org/
2 Comments on Nito Meets Chloe - Review, last added: 10/5/2010
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Sweet!
Hi!
Just wanted to let you know that I've given you an award at my blog, for being absolutely amazing!
Tina