Robert@PNG

Today I had the opportunity to visit the local Salvation Army Headquarters here in Lae. In blog post dated 31st of May : “Lae Rotary“, I wrote about a young boy called ” Lucky” whom late last year was trapped in is home after it caught fire. “Lucky” received extensive burns to his body including his face. “Lucky” is now 4 years old. The local Rotary club is in the process of getting sponsorship to fly “Lucky” downunder so he can receive plastic surgery for his scars.

“Lucky's” story touched me as the circumstances of his accident were very similar to my burn accident when I was eight years. We were both young and we were burnt by fire after being trapped - “Lucky” in his home and myself in Dad's shoe shop.

So on Saturday I ventured into Eriku with Eli where the local Salvo's have their headquarters and metup with Max, Rotary member and also Principal of the Salvo's school. Major Hanna from the Salvation Army was also present at the meeting.

I was reluctant to take any photos of “Lucky” on the day - not sure why but there are times when I feel that I impose upon people's privacy when snapping pictures. Besides the aim of the meeting was to meet and talk with young “Lucky” and not to put him on display like. Max did manage to capture three or four photos and have asked him to email these to me. When I receive these I will share these with you.

Meeting “Lucky” was a special experience for me. Spending time with a four year old kid whose face has been deformed by fire is perhaps not everyone's cup of tea. My heart went out to “Lucky” and I held his right hand the whole time we spoke. “Lucky” never really said anything but I did get the odd glimpse out of the corner of his eye when I was sharing the story of my own accident.

I know and understand the physical and emotional pain that go along with being a burns trauma victim, I know this pain very intimately. So, as I held “Lucky's” hand and stroked his scars it was like I was doing it to “little” me. I felt a connection with “Lucky” and hope that he felt comething for me as I would like to go and visit him again (soon).