The Response Summer 2021 - 5

And for the first time since my son's ordeal, I felt something else. Gratitude. There are some
things no one deserves and there are things everyone deserves. None of us deserve trauma or
suffering, but all of us deserve compassion, all deserve friendship.
There is no better tonic to cure heartache, than the kindness of another human being. This past
year forced us all to confront what divides us, it pushed us into isolation, and removed us from
many of the basic things that brought us joy. There are many things ahead that will cause us
anxious moments, but it will be the Johns of the world that will help us heal. Because what
people like John proves, is that humanity is at its best when it is lifting up your neighbor,
even when their own burden is infinitely heavier.
So, getting back to the question of what
best reduces stress and calms the mind?
Well, it's John, and it's me... and it's you.
It's whoever is smiling at your table or on
your computer screen. It's the stranger
on the help line or the professional at
your appointment.
It's in the love in
the memory of John's mother, and the
affections of my son. It is the
people that devote their life to
compassion and those who
bring out the best in us.
Thankfully, there are
plenty of these people
in the world. Some
are there by your side,
others are just a phone call
away. What matters is that you
remember to find that person, and it
matters that you remember to BE that
person.
" No one is useless in this
world who lightens the
burdens of another. "
~Charles Dickens
5

The Response Summer 2021

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