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TeodoroThe Boy Who Hid AwayWhen we first met Teodoro he was sixteen years old and had spent most of his life hiding in his house. The oldest of 6 children he had been born with a cleft tip and palate, a deformity all too common in Guatemala and which completely devastates lives. Teodoro was lucky in that his parents did not abandon him, but people gawked at him and pointed him out as an oddity and he became so ashamed of his appearance that he withdrew into himself. He refused to go to school or leave the house and spent his days lying on his bed. He hardly spoke. 
When Teodoro first came to the hospital where we were working he behaved like a scared animal, almost from everyone and keeping his eyes down all the time. His cleft lip was horrendous and completely deformed his lower face. He never smiled or said anything and he was so withdrawn it crossed our minds he might be mentally challenged. We scheduled his operation for the next day.. Everything went well and four days later he was released. We had the opportunity of visiting him in his home the day after his return. When we arrived his mother told us he was tired but doing well and that he was very happy he had the surgery, but he was very scared that the wound would open up. We assured him that it wouldn't and that being outside in the sun would help the scar heal. We encouraged him to come outside with us and reassured him that everything was fine. Despite the post-operative swelling it was clear he would be a handsome boy, but we were concerned as to how he would adjust after so many years living like a recluse. Had the emotional scars gone too deep? Would he be able to overcome his social inadequacies and the difficulties of his first sixteen years? |
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A year later we once again had the opportunity of visiting the family. As we approached the community the village grape vine informed them of our arrival. When we reached the house they were waiting for us and it was obvious they were delighted to see us. A few months ago some foreigners had come to the community and Teodoro's mother had thought it was us, but when she saw it wasn't she had been very sad because she thought we had forgotten about them. She said that now that we were back she knew we had not. But where was Teodoro? We could not see him anywhere. We were happy to hear he was well and delighted that he was not at home because he was out working on a new septic field. All our hopes for him had come to fruition. And as we stood talking to his parents we saw him running down the hill towards the house with a huge grin on his face. No more cowering and looking away. No more covering his face with his hands. No more hiding from people and refusing to leave the house. Here he was taking his place as the oldest son. Gone was the frightened boy of a year ago, and here was a strapping, smiling, handsome young lad contributing to his family and take his place in society like any other young man. |
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