Many children are afraid of hospitals. Many adults have the same dislike towards hospitals. Many children are afraid of injections. The same about adults. Probably both, little and big human beings are afraid of surgeries that leave scars and force one to wear strange gloves and tubes. Adults tend to wish to get rid of this plastic stuff as soon as possible. Younger children obviously feel even more discomfort.
Danil does not really want to have a tube stuck in his nose, so he’s constantly trying to get rid of it. However, this tube is his source of nutrition. That is why nurses have to swaddle this twelve-year old boy, so he could not damage the tube without which his life can become rather complicated.
One cannot help wondering however, whether life may be even more complicated. Children like Danil hardly ever spend much time outside, which means people are often afraid of these different children, feel awkward about taking them in arms or even touching them.
No one of us wants to stare at the ceiling and white walls all day long. No one wants constant silence. Fortunately, everything can be changed. I have accidentally learnt it when I decided to show Danil a musical toy. I never saw the boy smiling before. The sounds of nature or classical music can really brighten up Danil’s grey reality. Just ten seconds later and he will definitely present you his bright smile!
Some weeks later the toy’s batteries were discharged and it was put on the windowsill. In the hospital there is no time or wish to entertain a child. Danil is just one of many orphans. No one really cares if the boy smiles when he is shown a big rattle. But a real mom will care about these little “trifles” of life.
Danil needs a mom. He needs you. Perhaps you could become his mom?
If you are interested in adopting, please read the memo to the potential adoptive parents, guardians, and foster parents; you can also contact Children’s Affairs' service of the Zaporozhia State Administration by telephone (061) 239-01-56.
Other children who dream of finding a family
If for some reason you are currently not able to adopt (for example, you are a student and do not have a family of your own yet) you are still able to help children at a boarding school (an orphanage with your financial support. Ways you can help include: planning and participating in excursions and trips for children; visiting a child in an orphanage; or helping purchase developmental toys, books, construction sets, and sports equipment.
