Talking to the urchin.

While feeding the dog, not my dog, my neighbour's dog, an urchin cycled along our street. He smiled. Probably as a gesture of gratefulness. A few days ago, I gave them 2 bunches of bananas. I'm not sure if he did get his share of bananas. (please refer to my earlier post this week)

He is smiling. I never seen the urchin smiled before. Just nervous or scared. I must admit, I do look as stern as a schoolmaster at times. He always cycle in our street and would make a big turn on our driveway.

As he gets nearer to me, I asked him how old he is. From our conversation, I got to know that he is 13 years old, the first child, a drop out and working. He lives with his mother, step-father, 7 siblings and half siblings, all living in a small hut behind our house. His father died at 37 when he was in Standard 3. That's quite like taking patient's history. Well, I can't just leave my habit behind.

I asked him, if he worked today.
"No, I was supposed to go to the church, practicing, but it was cancelled"
"For Christmas?"
"No, for my confirmation"
"So you're a Catholic?"
My question is responded with a slight nod
"Oh, where? Mater Dei of St Joseph's?"
"Actually, it the Latter Day Saints church" he said shyly
Maybe he had heard too much of the negative comments from other Christian denomination.
"Oh, The one with cycling white men?"
"Yes! that the one"
"I heard they do give free English lessons. So, do you attend their classes?"
"Yes"
"Oh, that's good!"

He told me earlier, he dropped out of school because he got drunk at school. It's shocking to hear a 13 years old drunk at school. But everyone have their reasons to do something stupid. Considering his living condition, his family, maybe it's normal to him.

"Do you still drink? I know LDS does not encourage drinking" I asked again
"Not anymore"

I hope he told me the truth. As we speak, he is smoking. Well, he is strong enough to stop drinking. Maybe he could cut down his smoking one day. To me, it is good enough if he has good influence to guide him.

Our conversation continued on how his father died. Apparently his father died while sleeping. He used to live with his aunt. And his aunt seems not to care about his disciplinary problem at school. When I asked about his step-father, he told me his step-father is okay. I'm not sure about the okay. I don't want to pry more. Maybe next time.

Life seems unfair, but we don't know what God had planned for us. I wish him the best.

P/s
I do miss history taking. I took longer time to take patient's history because I like to know how other people lives, and how the world look from their point of view. I'm just being emphatic.