Chapter 5 Summary and Analysis

Lia was admitted to MCMC seventeen times between the ages of eight months and four and a half years. She was seen by the staff on countless other occasions that did not require admission. Her medical chart from this time describes her as a female Hmong child well known to the facility. It often includes notes about her close bond with her mother and the language barrier that existed between the staff and Lee family. Although the hospital employees and the Lees failed to communicate, the opposite could be said for Lia and her family. Her parents were very affectionate with her and she enjoyed their cuddling. Lia seemed to know when a seizure was coming and ran to her parents for a reassuring hug. They would place her on a soft mat they kept on the floor of their living...