Patients and families enter the clinic with one focus. They may not use the words but the question is always the same: “Can you rescue me?” Everyone needs to know that there is a way out of danger and even in cancer care we work our hardest to not just manage people at a critical time in their lives, but rescue from despair. Patients and families feel the chaos spinning around this new terrifying and life threatening dynamic. They are at risk of being swept away and overwhelmed. The anger, dismay and fear is very real for each one and we are fully aware of our role in the rescue.
This week the world faced far too many needs for rescue and we are all affected. We looked into the faces of the families whose loved ones died in service succumbing to terror- not even war- just pure evil. Their young sons and daughters following orders, rescuing strangers a world away. They didn’t die of cancer or natural causes, they died because they were not protected. The small head -covered Afghan girl, with huge eyes of hope and smile for the soldier. Bare little feet, in rags, no parents, just alone but with hand over heart of thanks that someone was going to take care. What we saw was steel determined expressions as the days unfolded. What an amazing week of tragedy, loss, rescue, pain and hope. It is almost too much to bear.
Not every event is off the rooftop in a flood, under the rubble of an earthquake, escaping wildfire, or in the horror of an enemy country, but it is rescue just the same. Because what we all agree is that human life is precious.
What we also appreciate is that we are not alone. Our hearts ache for the parents and loved ones of those poorly led into harms way unnecessarily and thoughtlessly. We fear for those carelessly left behind. What is it we feel? Empathy? Yes. But so much more. We actually start to think how we would help. It quite simply is in our nature to rescue each other.
That is the story today. We cannot avoid every tragedy- natural or man made. But we can recognize the beauty in our own minds and hearts. Just the feeling that you experience upon hearing or reading stories this week sometimes completely overwhelming, you were touched.
Do not feel helpless in the face of these storms. Do not believe that our desire to rescue is useless and impotent. Bring forward the concept that your own thoughts to assist, are not voyeurism as you watch or read. Instead it is a deep and life affirming reaction. You have tremendous power and fortitude. The lessons this week are not about succumbing to the burdens and threats. Instead, the strength of the survivors and rescuers, undeterred give each of us hope that we too can lift or be lifted from harm. In every single part of the world and in every devastation, there is opportunity for a rebirth because quite simply and quietly and without fanfare, a hand reached out to help and a life was changed.
There are times in our own lives when we also feel that we are on the roof with the waters flooding. There are events when bad decisions force loved ones into harm’s way. There are events well beyond our control- even with disease. We can learn from the rescuers that we are valued even by strangers.
Let’s look to recovery. I know it takes mountains of faith. But the human spirit is remarkable in resilience. You are not alone- ever. The nurse who delivers the vaccine. The soldier who lifts the Afghan orphan. The father who covers his family with his own body to protect from the devastating tornado. We have the gift of being rescued from evil and being the rescuer in the small moments of our lives everyday. Be assured that what lies within all of us is this basic human desire and need and no tragedy or affliction can ever eclipse that greatness.
In the days and weeks ahead there will be individual stories of strength, fearless in the face of trauma, that will inspire each of us to further empowerment. Lean on these events not the tragedies. Stand high on the shoulders of those who are teaching us selflessness. Be assured that when these tragic events touch your heart that is the beginning of inspiring you to think, act and react on you own higher plane of altruism. Behind our masks, I believe everyone of us has the steely face of determination.