My Sister's Keeper.....

     So, my sister, Sue, and I chatted about our former pediatrician the other day. She believes that he is still alive and still practicing. I believe he is 85. I do recall that he loved all children dearly. Whether she is right or not, this blog is for him. He truly was my sister's keeper and guardian angel.
     Naturally, you need to know the whole story. It dates back to 1967 - the year of my sister's birth. My mother came over here from Italy at eight months preganant - Sue could seriously wear a little sticker on her that says 'Made in Italy.'  Anyway, had she been born in Italy, my sister would most certainly not be with us. The medical technology back then was way behind the U.S., so Sue would not have had the treatment she needed to survive. Yet, our dear Dr. Runco (who hopefully will read this some day and will not take offense) is also a reason Sue is with us today.
     You ever hear of a blue baby? Basically, from what I understand, it was an issue with the RH factor in the blood. Some compatibility issue with the mother and father's blood types. It's something you never hear about these days. Anyway, a baby born with this would need a transfusion the DAY of birth or they couldn't survive. Also, due to this condition, the skin of the baby could have a blue-ish tint to it.
     Needless to say, the attending doctors didn't realize that Sue was born with this condition. Dr. Runco always went to welcome the newborns into the world, and he simply took one look at Sue and said "This baby is very sick." Now, mind you, my mother and father barely spoke English, were both new to the country, and were supposed to be celebrating the birth of their new bundle of joy. I can only imagine their horror as they watched Sue go down to 3 lbs., and someone who didn't know how to communicate with them try and explain that their newborn was very ill.
     Plus, it was all ready past the 24 hours from birth. The transfusion never took place. I am honestly not certain if it was a special formula or what that saved Sue. This much I do know; a pediatrician who took his job seriously spoke up and Sue is here! I am grateful daily for that, and will always remember my pediatrician fondly. I'm sure there aren't too many around like that anymore!