Working with many Survivors of Terror, we rely on home visits to help develop a stronger relationship with the families. These visits are helpful, giving us a better understanding of their needs and offering us insight that allows us to help more effectively. Yesterday we made a home visit together. It was one of the most emotionally packed visits we have shared and feel compelled to share it with ATZUM’s friends.
Every day we hear about this problem or that challenge, often with a request for help. Yesterday we were not asked for assistance; rather we were spontaneously drawn into the world of a child who against all expectations survived a terror attack.
O is eight years old and suffers severe neurological damage as a result of a Kassam rocket attack last year. We visit with the family often and have shared many joyous moments as he continues to surprise his physicians who thought he would not live; would not walk; would not talk. But he can and does all that and so much more. This beautiful and precocious child managed to exhaust us one day at the mall and another at the zoo.
Generally full of energy he knows exactly what he wants to do. Happy to see us, yesterday he did not even want to open his gift. During the visit he was upset, his mind racing, shooting off thoughts like sparks as they run down a sparkler’s wire stick.
One moment talking about food and then flashing back to the time of the rocket attack; the next crying and asking his mother, “Why me? Why not you? Why not my friends?” Within minutes he asked the nurse, “Can you give me a shot and fix my arm?” and then asking pointing to his damaged arm, “Who did this to me?” Moments later was talking about his baby sister “who is really beautiful.” This was followed by more questions like “Can I get married?” All these thoughts were threaded with casual conversation while we tossed a ball.
Reading and learning about the affects of trauma is one thing, seeing it is another. His mother could barely keep pace with him. She would relax as he chose a neutral subject only to be struck again by his next thought. The frustration was immense, just one year after the attack the impact is crystallizing for him. Unclear Remembering the attack; what has happened since; his disabilities and what will be his future.
We were welcomed during a very stressful time and overwhelmed by his mother’s strength, patience and love. We feel privileged to be able to offer support by sending volunteers and offering assistance when needed. Just as we have shared those joyous moments as he began to walk and talk we look forward to being there to offer support as he fights towards a complete recovery.
