Shalene and Jamie

Two days ago, I got the news that Shalene, the oldest child at SCH, passed away, and this morning I woke up to hear that Jamie, one of the littlest sweethearts, died as well. When I heard of Shalene's death, I was saddened, but somewhat at peace (similar to Jaron's death). She struggled a lot and being 19 and a bigger girl (few ayahs could lift her) suffered neglect that came with the difficulties of caring for a child with special needs who is the size of an adult, and unable to walk or talk. I was sad that she died, but do believe that she is in a better place now.

When I heard of Jamie's death it was a completely different feeling. I felt mad... not at a person, just mad in general. Jamie had delays and couldnt walk yet, or talk,, but was a healthy child. I could tell she was smart, and had a lot of potential to one day do the things she wasn't yet able to do. The details as to why she died are not really being told, but this is what Sarah said: "I just heard that we lost yet another child--little girl named Jamie. Details are not all in yet, but she had fallen and injured herself and then would not leave her stitches alone--kept biting and pulling them out, throwing herself off the bed, etc. Theresa had had to use restraints on her for her own safety, but a doctor took them off, & Jamie hurt herself again. I don't know why she *died* exactly, but she's gone."

I am sad. I am mad. Jamie had a beautifully sweet personality. She was independant and you would usually find her by herself, scooting around on her bottom through the courtyard until she was covered in dirt, but determined to get where she wanted to go. I am confused as to why she died. It makes my heart ache for every orphan in the world who dies a preventable death. It makes me worry for the other kids at the orphanage. It makes me reflect on my time in India, and remember how precious the lives of those kids are. Clearly I don't have the words to relect how I am feeling, but wanted to post anyways and share about Shalene and Jamie. Keep the other kids in your thoughts.