Eighteen months ago there was an eerie silence. When the world shut down for covid, everyone sheltered in place as if under attack. I stepped outside and a terrible familiarity chilled me. The bright blue skies lost the criss- cross of exhaust and the peacefulness was anything but. There was fear. Twenty years ago today also offered a surreal silence as all planes were ordered to land immediately. There wasn’t peacefulness, just shock. Innocence was lost the day American came under direct attack. Every one of us recalls where we were that morning when reality of the sheer evil unfolded. Many at risk were ultimately found safe but too many faced hell that day. Terrorism became a new and terrible concept.
We changed and adapted and we ultimately moved on, accepting a new reality as innocence was lost. We didn’t defeat terrorism as witnessed these past weeks, but we learned to be resilient in the face of challenge. A world pandemic presented a new terror and once again we find the internal fortitude to manage.
When Nancy presented for treatment, she was a puddle of tears- basically fears. She needs this new cancer like a hole in the head. Recovering from abuse and even imprisonment for attacking her assaulter (how does this happen, dear lawyers?) at middle age she cannot continue her physical job due to fractures. I do not need a plane, a pandemic or refugees to look directly at tragedy.
There is however, strength and hope to tap into when we appreciate a country that recovered, a world which is joining forces and individuals being saved. No event, illness, or tragedy can crush the human spirit. When Nancy believes she is adrift and the sky is falling, there must be a thought that somewhere within, her unique spirit is in control. This is what patients feel so very often- confusion and fear in the circumstance. It is the rescuer running toward, the helping hand of compassion, the kindness of strangers, the support of family, friends or a team that will give us and her a renewed belief.
I need to treat Nancy’s cancer. I want to heal her life. If she sees that people care and have not abandoned her, she will come through and succeed. She doubts that she is brave enough to rise out of her ashes. For today I must hold the hand and give confidence that she does have the strength within for this battle, but when she does not believe, there are others who will rescue her and carry her through the danger, rubble and fear.
You can offer this encouragement and kindness to someone today. You are needed. The term “never forget” is a message for this day 9/11, but also never forget that our community of human strength and spirit is far greater than any threat. Lieutenant Tony was a brave NYFD rookie who survived rescuing others on that fated day. He reminds us in simple terms, “It’s about respect for human life”.