My career has been spent helping victims of trauma heal and recover.  It’s been an interesting journey and has taught me many lessons, just like cancer.  Today was a day for reflecting on that journey, and the journey of people within my personal life who have also been wounded.  It all comes down to this.  One person.
One person.  Just one person coming into another person’s life can change the whole trajectory of their life.  One family rents a home that previously belonged to a drug dealer and experiences unspeakable violence at the hands of the dealer’s street competition.  A young mother runs to the grocery store to get diapers for her baby after dark.  Another person sees her as prey and changes her life.  One person marries another and uses the vows of marriage to berate, tear down, and emotionally destroy their spouse.  One person.
When I reflect on the power of one person, I also look at the power of one person to help another heal.  One advocate holds the hand of the young mother and quietly listens to her anguish.  One chaplain prays softly with family members as they receive medical care for their wounds.  A loved one tries to show her family member that marriage does not equate with abuse, or destruction, and that they deserve safety and love.
I know I’ve made mistakes in my life, plenty of them.  And I know my mistakes have hurt people and for that I’m truly sorry.  I do not have the power to change my hurtful actions, but I have made amends.  But in this day, I have the power to help others heal.  Not just as a therapist, but in my personal life.  All of us have the power to heal ourselves and others…  not with grand gestures, but in small actions.  Small, everyday, ordinary actions of kindness and respect.  I am one person.  That is where I am going to focus my energy, my power.  You are one person.  What are you going to do with your power?