Do you recall watching fireworks as a child? We held our ears as the light sparkled the sky and our eyes. It was magic with excitement. Enduring the tough is worth the effort when it brings joy. What a metaphor for life: work to have a home, exercise for strength, chemo, and radiation for a cure. We learn to live with sacrifice, anticipating the gain to follow. The pain and suffering 224 years ago birthing this nation was also worth every heartache. We are witness to the fruits of their efforts. We expect the USA to be here forever with very little responsibility on our part, other than the brave military, to protect and defend. Unfortunately, not everyone feels gratitude.
Try living in China. Many physicians here and around the world, were absolutely horrified in January when doctors there described a terrifying new virus. They were imprisoned- no protests or freedom of expression under Communism- they even died of the dreaded disease they sought to warn the world about. No one, even a physician is immune to tyranny. Are all of your own doctors born in the US? I have been blessed to work with hundreds of physicians from other countries and even hired some who love- love -love America and the wonderful life their families have here. They don’t send their kids to their homeland for education. They don’t encourage their parents to return “home” for healthcare. They all want what we take for granted. It’s quite an international scene in healthcare. A primary care doctor from Pakistan finds cancer in a patient from Bosnia, sends to the Russian physician for biopsy, then to the surgeon from Iran. The medical oncologist from Cuba treats with chemo and finally, the American radiation oncologist completes the care. It happens here every day, in fact, this example is from Thursday!
Enter the waiting room. The shared cancer experience forms bonds beyond languages. Luter from Nigeria is discussing his missionary work with Ivan from Belarus. The sisters from Korea hug Dion from Cameroon recalling their treatments here at the same time a year ago. Fred from American Samoa wears his Korean war/Vietnam veteran hat, what a combination, and chats with a Viet Nam Vet from the Philippines. The examples are in the thousands- just like this. I am gratified to see that what everyone has in common is a real appreciation for America.
It isn’t the flag, the anthem, or the fireworks that brought them. They want what we all are blessed to have and take for granted: they want the US to save them, nurture them, care for them in a time of need. This is their American dream. Many have suffered so much, the cancer is the least of their worries. I am proud to welcome them and bring all efforts to bear together with my eclectic team, to reinforce that they made the right decision. I am never more proud of my country than when I can share with those who really appreciate it.
God Bless the United States, land that I love. Happy 4th of July!