Luke is a precious six year old boy who lives at Shelter of Love. Luke's mom died during childbirth, as many Cambodian women do (lack of doctor care, nutrition, etc.). When Luke was a few days old, he was dying. There was no milk for him since his mother died.
Luke's father was trying desperately to care for the newborn, but could not. So he rode his bike (holding newborn baby Luke) from the village all the way to Shelter of Love. The journey took him about half a day to do! He begged Sue Singleton (founder of Shelter of Love- a NC lady!!) to take the baby. The baby was not named yet, and the father could not even remember the exact day the birth had taken olace!!
How could Sue Singleton refuse this few day old baby boy??? She took him to the doctor and the doctor told her that he was in fact dying, and was terribly dehydrated. So Sue bought some baby formula (something most Cambodian mothers can not afford), and fed him. Next she put him in a warm bath and washed him, then cuddled him tightly in a blanket. So now at 65 years old, Sue Singleton was a "new mom" again!!! Sue kept Luke at her home for about a year before moving him to the Shelter of Love.
Months later after Luke's father had given his son to Shelter of Love, he made another journey to the Shelter to inquire if the baby lived or not. One of the house mothers said quietly, "Come with me....". She led the father to a room with a crib that held a precious little healthy baby who was sleeping so peacefully. The father just smiled a great big smile........
This is a picture of Luke's home, Luke and his father, and the couple that are squatting (I believe) are Luke's grandparents.
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