Dear Patient,
This week as I’ve watched news footage of Ukrainians fleeing across the border into the safe harbor of neighboring countries, I’ve been thinking a lot about my first job out of college.
I was a case manager for a refugee resettlement program. When a refugee first arrived in this country, I was their general-purpose resource person, and I was often the first one to greet them when they stepped off the airplane in their new home city.
The work day was unpredictable—I’d spend it moving furniture, or talking about budgeting, or driving people around town to appointments. There were late-night airport runs. There were always emergencies. Sometimes a family would arrive with just a few days’ notice, barely enough time to find and furnish an apartment. Once a family arrived, the list of tasks was endless—get everyone into English language classes, schedule doctor’s appointments, update immunizations, get the kids enrolled in school, find jobs for the adults, take everyone to the grocery store and get them some clothes. Families had to adjust to a new culture, where they knew no one and had few if any resources. They missed home, even if home was a war zone. Even if home was gone.
To this day it’s the hardest job I’ve ever had. But it taught me something about myself, which is that I have something to offer to people when they’re at their most vulnerable. My refugees had survived war and fled their homes, only to face new challenges in a foreign land. I couldn’t change any of that, but I was there every day, ready to help. In fact, my role hasn’t changed much all these years later. My patients have their own battle scars which needles can’t erase. But I can offer a comfortable recliner, human touch, and an hour of rest.
We all have the capacity to ease suffering. We can welcome the stranger, and be a steadfast presence in a time of crisis. Whatever it is you have to offer, the world needs you.
Love and gratitude,
Your Acupuncturist
You rock, Alexa. I’m curious about how you found accupuncture and then how you decided you wanted to train and offer it to others.
Thanks for sharing this unique experience and insight.