Willie - Black Sand, Efate

Jekob, Joceline, the family and I spent a day on the beach recently - a rare event, in spite of how close Black Sand is to Port Vila.

Willie was partially crippled in somewhat Dickensian circumstances: He fell and cut himself while playing. The wound became infected and was treated with out-of-date antibiotics. By the time Joceline brought him back to hospital, the entire quadruceps was atrophied. The doctor then opened the length of his thigh and performed a lavage of antibiotic directly onto the infected tissue. The wound, however, took six months to heal. Even now, if he has access to proper medical attention and physical therapy, it's doubtful that he would face any serious disability.

Willie doesn't let any of this slow him down. He's quick on his feet, and an avid swimmer. Rarely if ever does he complain about the pain.

September 2005

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