Blue Umbrella Official October 2018 issue | Page 16

As I did with Keler, I asked him why he
wanted surgery, and he replied, ?I want to be
normal and have a normal life. I?m tired of
people being mean.?
He also told me many more stories
about his past, but he never looked at me. All
the while he looked the other way. I have
found this to be common among the patients
at Operation Smile. They do not look at you
because they do not want you to see their cleft
lip.
they won?t ask what?s wrong with him, and
they won?t treat him differently.?
Both Keler and Alexander made me see
that a lot of our patients have a harder life
than we have. They get stared at and pointed
at for something that they cannot control.
They were born that way. A seven year old boy
should not have to feel bad about himself, and
a 13 year old should not have to live even half
of what Alexander has experienced.
I asked Keler why he is always smiling,
and he answered, ?Because if I?m not happy
and funny, then who is going to make my mom
smile??
I asked Alexander what kept him going
through all of those tough times and he
replied, ?I believe God let me go through that
for a reason. Maybe it is to protect my younger
brothers, or maybe it is because I?m strong
enough. Either way, I know that God has a plan
for me, and I believe in Him.?
During lunchtime, I played hide and
seek with Alexander, Keler and other patients.
At the end of the day, Alexander hugged me
goodbye. He drew a picture for me with
crayons and timidly gave it to me. He also
thanked me for being his friend. I hugged him
and promised him I would see him soon.
Unfortunately, I did not see him during the
medical brigade, but I hope I get to see him at
the next one in November.
Alexander and Keler made me see how
much Operation Smile can change a kid?s life.
As Keler?s mom stated, ?Their [the patient?s]
whole lives will be changed because of
Operation Smile. I am eternally grateful to this
organization because thanks to its staff,
volunteers, and doctors, my son?s life will be
forever changed. People will no longer stare,
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Both of these young kids have taught
me that even in tough times, we should be
smiling like Keler, and believing in God like
Alexander. I would not have met them if it were
not for Operation Smile, and for that I am truly
grateful. I am extremely proud to be part of
such a noble cause.