(What True Friendship Means)
In my last blog, I started the story of my experience with air travel from Manchester to Nigeria. Today, I’ll be delving into how I navigated my hospital bills, the flight back to Nigeria, and what happened when My Paul couldn’t hear from me after our initial conversation, and concluding the story. Let’s go!
As I slowly regained consciousness and strength, I turned to one of the compassionate doctors who had been caring for me and asked if I could use his phone to call my husband, Paul. My heart swelled with concern, knowing he must have been overwhelmed by thoughts of my well-being. The doctor, displaying a heartwarming kindness, handed me his phone, and I dialed Paul’s number.
Paul, my rock in life, recounted how he had tried to reach me several times, but each attempt was met with frustration as the calls never connected. In his desperation, he turned to a dear friend, Dr. Paul Enenche, a devout and highly respected servant of God in Abuja. They had shared a profound relationship for many years. My Paul explained my situation to Pastor Enenche, and without hesitation, he offered his home as a haven for my family the whole time of my absence till I returned, which would be for two weeks!
Those two weeks were filled with fervent prayers, unwavering support, and boundless encouragement for my family. My Paul and our children drew a lot of strength from this unexpected visit, and found comfort and faith in God. Paul also reached out to other believers, and a wave of prayers and love cascaded toward me. God, who is always faithful, answered these heartfelt prayers, not only sparing my life but expediting my recovery and sending me the help I needed most.
Amidst this challenge, an extraordinary act of kindness touched my life. A very close childhood friend of mine, Emakoji Ayikoye, residing in the United States, learned of my predicament and embarked on a journey across continents to be by my side! With Paul unable to come to me due to visa limitations, my friend became my steadfast companion, offering unwavering support throughout my days in the general ward. His presence was a beacon of hope, and he even helped rearrange my flight back to Nigeria after my discharge from the hospital.
This Bible passage resonated with me during this trying period: “If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love [for others growing out of God’s love for me], then I have become only a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal [just an annoying distraction]. And if I have the gift of prophecy [and speak a new message from God to the people], and understand all mysteries, and [possess] all knowledge; and if I have all [sufficient] faith so that I can remove mountains, but do not have love [reaching out to others], I am nothing.”
These remarkable individuals showed my family and I extraordinary love in our time of greatest need. We are forever grateful and they remain indelible in our hearts.
When the time came to settle the medical bills, the hospital exhibited a level of compassion that transcended our expectations. They recognized my financial struggles as a student and the dire circumstances that led to my admission. With a generous spirit, they forgave my huge debt, and ensured that I had all the necessary medications and support for my journey home, considering that I had already checked in my luggage. It was a true testament to the kindness and compassion that exists in humanity.
I must include that while on admission in the hospital, Frankfurt am Main, Germany, I was well fed with three square nourishing meals from the hospital’s nutrition department, and the best drinking water was made available for me as much as I needed.
In those moments, I couldn’t help but praise God, echoing the words of Isaiah 25:1, “O Lord, You are my God. I will exalt You, I will praise Your name, for You have done wonderful things; Your counsels of old are faithfulness and truth.”
Here are six recommendations I have drawn from this story:
1. Emergency Preparedness: Hospitals must be ready for emergencies at all times, with well-equipped and 24/7 operational emergency departments in both urban and rural communities. Healthcare is a fundamental human right and aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 – “Good Health and Well-being”. No one must be left behind.
2. Health Insurance for Chronic Illness: Provide health insurance support for patients struggling with chronic illnesses, such as sickle cell disease, to cover their medical expenses, recognizing that these conditions can be financially draining, and many patients depend on hospitals for their survival.
3. Eliminate Deposit Requirements in Emergencies: In emergency situations, eliminate the requirement for upfront deposits before treatment, especially when patients are in critical condition, to ensure timely and compassionate care.
4. Nutrition Support: Ensure hospitals offer quality nutrition to patients according to their dietary needs, as this aids in faster recovery and benefits those who cannot afford proper nutrition.
5. Funding for Needy Patients: Establish a fund in every healthcare facility to assist financially challenged patients who require medical treatment. This reflects our social responsibility, echoing the biblical principle of leaving a portion for the poor and those in need.
6. Humanitarian Action: Extend a helping hand to people in need whenever possible, as you may be their only hope. Show compassion and solidarity with those suffering, as saving a life can have a far-reaching impact on families, communities, and nations.
In Conclusion, this story serves as a profound reminder of the power of preparedness, love, compassion, and genuine assistance in times of desperate need. It is a testament to the goodness that exists in the hearts of people and a call for hospitals to prioritize the well-being of their patients above all else. Let us strive to be our brother’s keeper, for in that, we find the essence of true humanity.
