From Dr. Bob

From Dr. Bob:

"Reading the editorial comment from the NY Times (see link below), brought to mind once again a question that has stayed with me -only partially answered- since I first went down to volunteer in Mississippi: Why on earth would I want to go back?

Biloxi and environs is not Iraq, but it very much resembled a 'war zone' after Katrina blew its way through last year; and the damage is still not all repaired. As volunteers in such a place, on American soil, we are soldiers, with less than totally adequate (or deserved) support from our government. When we went with the idea that we were going in order "to serve", we were doing our "duty", no less admirable than that of a military soldier, but with far less risk to our lives.

How can I dare to compare my 'service' with that of an army sergeant, ordered to carry his fighting buddies in body bags ? I don't measure up to that level of commitment . However, it does tell me something about why I have kept going back, month after month, for over a year. It tells me something about why I will be going back for another week, tomorrow..

Today, before reading the editorial referenced below, I talked on the phone with my local contacts and friends in Mississippi. Some are satisfied with the recovery they have made so far (With little help from me other than moral support). Others are still waiting, waiting, and waiting, for a variety of promised funds or helpers to arrive , maybe. There is still a lot of serving that could be done. I myself, am at another crossroads, and conflicted about whether or not I will make this next trip my last. The reminder that we all have a responsibility to serve our world community, our country, our neighbors, and, of course , our families, came to me out of my reading of this editorial. Once again, that crossroads, approached with mixed and conflicting allegiances several times in these past 13 months, where to put in my time?

Those phone conversations with friends in Mississippi all say - "come on down, we have a lot to talk about, and we always appreciate and look forward to your visits, and your support, and we love ya !" How does a "serving" man refuse an invitation like that. However, it is not, or should not be, about feeding my personal ego, having a 'great' experience, or an 'adventure'. Serving has those rewards, but they come to us as gifts, by the grace of the persons for whom we give our time and our compassion. It is no revelation to say, "I am no saint", and none of us can continue to 'serve' without serious burn-out, or battle fatigue, unless the things we do have value and meaning to both the served, and the servant.

The only way I can approach this same crossroads (To go back or not to go back, that is the question) is to be there, talk, work, look around, smell the air, feel the direction of the prevailing winds, tally up the cost, and understand whether I am up to the challenge or not.

I will keep y'all posted on this one, by telling the stories, after I am down on the Gulf Coast for a few days.

Until then, I'd be interested in hearing your view of exactly where in this world you had been fighting a 'war', and to what end you are "making the sacrifice of the few" .....and .....I welcome your critique of the 'battle for recovery' on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Bob

Subject: NYTimes.com: Sacrifice of the Few

Message from sender: What thoughts come to you as you read this 'point of view' coming- in my opinion-from a thoughtful person with a very intimate encounter with the war in Iraq ? Bob OPINION | October 12, 2006 Op-Ed Columnist: Sacrifice of the Few By BOB HERBERT While most Americans are free to go about their daily business, unaffected by the wars in any way, scores of thousands of troops have been sent off on repeat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan"