Honouring little Natalie: 2020 - 20

 When I gave birth to Natalie and Rozzie, my twin daughters, I had all the expected support from medical and midwifery staff that we in the UK, and most other highly developed countries, assume to be their right, including a bit of time in SCBU for Natalie.

And as they grew up, we continued to have that support - and when Natalie needed an operation at a few months old, it all happened in a straightforward way, and free at the point of delivery thanks to our wonderful NHS.

When I was in Uganda last year, and visited Acholi Quarters, I was introduced to Nalango, a 24-yr old single mum of 4 children, the first born being 8 years old, and the twins about 15 months old (no-one could remember exactly when they were born). Nalango is a member of the Acholi community group that we support, and she told me the names of her twin daughters with a big grin on her face - Natalie and Rosa (note the similarity to the names of my twin daughters!)

Yesterday I went to Acholi Quarters and, amongst all the different aspects of conversation, I was told that Nalango was at the hospital as her little twin daughters were unwell. Apparently the girls were both suffering from an undisclosed illness, possibly related to malnutrition, and one of them was unresponsive and on oxygen. Not surprisingly, the mum was really worried, and the community also. 

As we chatted about the situation, I was told how the members of the group were taking it in turns to take meals across to mum at the hospital, as there is no food served there, and how they were also looking after the oldest lad who was staying back at home to be a 'presence' in their small, one-room home. Community spirit at its best.

Last night i heard that little Natalie had died during the later afternoon, diagnosis undisclosed. 

As I processed the news, one of the additional aspects of it that really struck home was about the financial aspect of this for Nalango. Not only does she need to pay a hefty medical bill (no NHS here), but she also needs to find the money for a vehicle to bring the body home for burial. So, at this time of raw grief, Nalango has this as an extra worry. 

The community always comes together at times like this, and this occassion will be no exception. But it's another reminder of just how fortunate we are in the 'global North', and how much we take the various aspects of state support for granted.

Rest in Peace Natalie.

Praying for Nalango, and little Rosa and the other siblings as they process this terribly sad chapter in their lives, in their own ways.