Courage of a child

Last week, I saw a TV programme, Unexpected Access on Singapore TV where a four year child named Ivan who was being treated for burns. An old air-conditioning unit in Ivan’s house fell off and landed on Ivan. In the ensuing confusion, Ivan was also electrocuted. He suffered burns on 50% of his body.

Three times a week, he has to have his bandages changed. Each bandage change is a tortuous experience for Ivan. Ivan cries and struggles to cope with pain that adults would find painful to endure. In some of the spots, we can see raw flesh that have not healed. All of the fingers on Ivan’s right hand had to be amputated due to extensive damage. You cannot help but feel your heart break as you witness the bandage changing. The host, Wong Li-lin shed tears openly.
Nevertheless, after a while, Ivan stops crying and becomes a regular four-year old. He can even tell the nurses from where they should start removing the bandages. His sudden transformation from a child crying in pain to a boy brimming with life is heartwarming.

Children have infinite life-force within them to overcome all of life’s difficulties. Yes, they feel pain, and cry (don’t we all), but they just take everything on the chin and move on. Their courage inspires everyone.