A book on healing hands
This Week’s Winner
A fulltime physical therapist from La Union, Noel graduated from LORMA College in 1999. Since that time, he’s taught at LORMA College of Physical Therapy, and also volunteers at several hospitals, clinics and community rehabilitation programs.
MANILA, Philippines - Learning from one’s own experiences is a good way to go through life. Learning from others’ experiences and stories is an even better means to live a fuller life. I have always been engrossed in books and literature, from childhood comics to adolescent action — and adventure-packed fiction, to early adulthood biographies, trade books and more. My library has been a constant source of inspiration and comfort.
Some of my books include Gavin de Becker’s The Gift of Fear and Fear Less, Stephen Covey’s First Things First and Spiritual Roots of Human Relations, Montel William’s Mountain Get Out of My Way, Tim Allen’s Don’t Stand Too Close to a Naked Man, Hugh Prather’s Notes on Love and Courage, Michael Meade’s Men and the Water of Life, Andy Stanley’s The Next Generation Leader, Thomas Moore’s Care of The Soul, Max Lucado’s And The Angels Were Silent and Kenny & Julia Loggins The Unimaginable Life.
But when I came upon an awe-inspiring book called The Measure of Our Days: New Beginnings at Life’s End by Jerome Groopman, it magnified an aspect of my life that I have not sufficiently reflected upon, despite almost a decade of engagement.
The book focuses on eight patients, each unique in their own way. They are Kirk, Dan, Cindy, Matt, Debbie, Alex, Elizabeth and Elliott. Through the book, Dr. Groopman (and we, too) get acquainted with these eight. Each personality relates significant issues as he or she comes face to face with mortality. Being afflicted with life-threatening illnesses, they go through a process of coming to terms with the realities of life.
In the physical medicine and rehabilitation department of the hospital where I work, I deal with patients who are physically disabled or impaired by illness or accident, and even patients who are terminally ill. Being aware of their anxieties and their frustrations enables us, as therapists, to help them focus their energies on what they can do to overcome illness, or if not, to achieve functionality despite their conditions. One needs empathy, not sympathy. Being able to put one’s self in a patient’s shoes and to truly, sincerely listen is part of our job. I believe Dr. Groopman when he says he understands what the patient feels since he himself has had a similar experience of becoming disabled and fully dependent on his wife when he had a spinal condition. While I have not endured such a debilitating condition, I can see — through Dr. Groopman’s writing — how difficult it must be, not being able to do what I am most passionate about, being independent and making a change in people’s lives.
Each individual in Dr. Groopman’s book positively changed my perception as each came to realize the irony of their lives: just starting out in life while facing life coming to an end. At times, while reading, I felt like one of their caregivers — a close relation or just an interested bystander watching them. They transform from people who have set goals and tasks and then must work toward a different quality of life, realizing that things which were not pressing before have become urgent. Facing death improved the lives of the patients by prompting them to rethink their priorities. The value of love, family, friendship and hope has been magnified in every patient’s situation. They seem to have a vital need to know more, share more of themselves, and live fuller lives as time allows. The prospect of death is a great equalizer. Sages advise us mortals to live our lives as if today is our last day on earth.
In fact, Dr. Groopman has become one of my heroes. I always dreamed of becoming a medical doctor. I feel the author of this book has compassion, good medical sense, a grasp of the latest research; reading him, I feel he is a true friend, God-fearing, open-minded, a loving husband and father, and much more. Among his traits, what struck me most is his dedication to his patients. However unlovable they may be, he treats them with care. Some doctors forget to truly care; they get too caught up in the quantity of patients they see; sometimes, the people who need their healing hands most are neglected. The world respects our healthcare workers because we empathize and we do our work with heart. How wonderful it would be if our own people would benefit more from these caring hands.
Being a religious man, Dr. Groopman has a deeper understanding of how medical science and faith divinely interplay to bring about healing. The body of knowledge backed up by research only reaches to a certain point; then there’s darkness, uncharted regions where questions abound and no ready answers are found. To have faith is to know that something is true though it cannot be perceived by the five senses. Faith is the fuel that sustains us to keep going amidst a mountain of uncertainties. I once had an exchange with an elderly man who said that every therapist is a divine healer. I asked him, “How is it so?” And he answered without equivocation, “One could not make a lame person walk or make one with palsy become functional if they’re not blessed with heavenly powers.” I smile every time I remember this instance; but then again, how many times have I felt inspired to supplement a certain therapy or to complement it with another and see the hand of God in action? Patients and their families are grateful to us and yet, the source of healing comes from their faith, and their desire to be healed. I dream of the day when someone will be inspired by reading my book on lessons learned from the simple yet powerful lives of ordinary individuals I’ve tried to help.
I haven’t had Dr. Groopman’s experience, but I relish the feeling of being one with his and every healthcare worker’s purpose: to perform the art of sincere caring and to apply the science of healing. Being a healer that cares is the best job ever.
