Ethics of the Fathers Day 8

One of my favorites, from Chapter 2:

In a place where there are no men, strive to be a man.

Yesterday's verse instructed us on seeking the best possible examples to follow.  However, even if there are no examples, we should strive for the highest ideal even if we are the only ones.

No one has inquired about Nicky Z in all of his three and a half years.  Who will "be a man"?



And here is Wyatt.  With one of those really scary diagnoses.  Hydrocephalus.  Possible Cystic Fibrosis.  Tube fed, recumbent, barely moves his hands.




 He does not look hydrocephalic.  Does he have a shunt in place?  If he has CF, then he has already beaten the odds for survival without treatment.  According to Wikipedia,

"While there are no cures for cystic fibrosis there are several treatment methods. The management of cystic fibrosis has improved significantly over the past 70 years. While infants born with cystic fibrosis 70 years ago would have been unlikely to live beyond their first year, infants today are likely to live well into adulthood. Recent advances in the treatment of cystic fibrosis have meant that an individual with cystic fibrosis can live a fuller life less encumbered by their condition. The cornerstones of management are proactive treatment of airway infection, and encouragement of good nutrition and an active lifestyle."

The medical care for CF in the orphanage is probably on par with that of 70 years ago:  negligible.  Note that the management requires prophylactic antibiotics, good nutrition, and an active lifestyle, none of which are available to Wyatt where he is.  If in fact he has CF, he needs out FAST!   More likely, he is just showing the product of extreme neglect and malnutrition of the institutionalized setting, where his Down syndrome is tantamount to a life sentence.

Who will "be a man" and rescue these boys from the "place where there are no men"?