“This is what it means to be a father.”

One year ago, I thought I was going to lose my daughter after she was injured in the earthquake. There was a great deal of loss.

After three weeks of going to other [health facilities], holding on to hope, and holding the child in my arms, nothing changed. [Rithna] had an infection, sores in her mouth, and swollen hands and feet.

There were many people who advised me to visit Fond des Blancs. The hospital arranged for a vehicle to pick me up. When I got to [SBH], it was almost too late.

I spent 20 days and nights in Fond des Blancs. It was the most intense experience of my life.

[Rithna’s] mother was unable to accompany us due to the demands of the household and the other children. Throughout Rithna’s illness, I was the one who cared for her. This is what it means to be a father.

Seeing the leg improve gave me new hope. One day the nurse asked her to try placing her foot on the ground. [Rithna] walked toward the door. I realized that she could walk again.

When we were released from the hospital, the nurse accompanied me on the bus. She had shown us a great deal of kindess. We were treated so well by the nurses in the hospital that I almost did not want to return home after my stay. The nurses did her hair; they got her barrettes. She befriended all of them. They rocked her to sleep because they thought she was adorable.

Rithna continues to wear [the barrettes] to this day. I do not know what the future holds. There are no jobs available. We’re struggling. But I believe St. Boniface saved the child’s life.