My friends and I that have toured through Deschapelles in 2010 & 1 in 2012, all remember Sevner. As I have said, he walks me to work each morning. He asks for food or clothing. What I failed to mention is....well, many things.
For lack of a better analogy, Sevner sort of reminds me of Forrest Gump....I can bring all things back to Gump if you give me time. During my first day here last week while walking to work, Sevner greeted me. In 2010, I couldn't understand him properly. I heard an "S" sound when he said his name, that was all. I called him Steve, both to his face and to my friends for the last 4 years. It's ok. For some odd reason he didn't remember me either. BUT, on my way to work that day he said,"Do you know Abbey Downing?"
Abbey works for Hanger in Torrington and had spent 2 wks here in 2012. I said,"Yes, of course. I know Abbey very well." He continued, " maybe I could give you some letter and you could give to her?" I was more than happy to oblige.
Today, Sevner handed me a stack of 15 letters. All of the letters are to people that either work for Hanger or live in CT, names and addresses included. The people who work for Hanger, I knew; but the rest I did not. I am still stuned. My take aways come down to 2.
1) This guy is way smarter than I thought he was. He must have a vast catalog of names an addresses that he draws from. Upon investigating more, I have found that he does this with many people. And though every letter is the same....a plea for clothing, money and food...he is able to connect and organize people and places......amazing. I have also learned from some of the people staying here at Kay Alumni, Sevner is one of the people that many people will actually walk to a few "Markets" with. He knows the way to many. Is good company. A few hours and maybe a good meal and he is all set.
2) I am in the carribean, in a develping country. There is almost no one that I know here. Yet, I have in hand a short catalog of people that have some how passed through Deschapelles; met Sevner; gave him their address AND....live near me. I couldn't google search anything remarkably close to that.
My plan...I will mail these letters. Along with each one I will attach my own that will read something to the effect of, "Hello.I was in Deschapelles recently. Sevner asked me to send this letter to you. I don't know you, but I hope your experience in Deschapelles was as good as mine. If you don't mind I would love to know when you were there and in what capacity..."
Incredible.
Today was a fairly mellow day at the clinic. Cira and I played orthotist for a spell.
I gave blood, today. It wasn't part of the plan really. We were getting in-brace xrays of a scoli patient, and diagnostic imaging is right near the lab. Had some time to kill waiting for the xrays. Most of the time Haitians don't like to give blood. Yet, they are in dire need of it in the hospital. Typically, when a family member is getting some surgery there, it is strongly rsuggested that a family member also gives blood. Like and exchange program ;-)
That's all I got tonight.
Adime
Chov Blanc
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