Radical Eclecticity

I have to say, I never cease to be amazed by the support that people keep showing me. My father sent out his last update last night, and today I have no less than eight responses of total joy. That’s just from the people that replied that quickly. The love and the prayer that has been poured out on me is downright staggering.

I’ve had the thought for some time that, when something traumatic and intense happens like this, it brings out the best or the worst in people. The people near you either stand by your side, or they just can’t seem to cope. It is, in theory anyway, one extreme or the other. The only problem is, I have no evidence for half of that theory.

Everyone I know that heard about my accident stood by me. People I used to work with in Hawaii called me or sent me cards. People in my Reserve unit, that I had only met once, expressed their support. My friends came to see me, prayed for me, and sent me gifts. Some of my students even came to visit me while I was unconscious in the ICU, and all of my students made cards for me when they heard of my situation and others for every holiday I missed.

I never saw the worst of anyone. Family, friends, coworkers, former coworkers, and even total strangers prayed for me daily, sent me cards, and were genuinely pulling for me. I got a lot of flowers, too, but most of that came during the first six weeks that I can’t remember. Through it all I felt that there were literally hundreds of people cheering for me and rooting me on. The faith of all these supporters carried me on when I was still too loopy to pray for myself.

Perhaps humanity does have the capacity to turn a cold and unfeeling eye to those in need, but I don’t know of any of them. Now I have a new theory. When something traumatic and intense happens, when a crisis strikes and the world closes in around you, that is when human nature shines. People are capable of more good that you expect, they just need the opportunity and the reason to let it grow.

I would like to give a sincere thank you to everyone that lent me their support and prayers. When I could not stand on my own legs, you lent me yours. When I lacked the determination, you were determined for me. When I couldn’t go it alone, you all walked through the dark places with me. God bless you all and thank you.