I’ve been watching the developing epidemic known cryptically as “SARS” for the past few weeks. Besides being struck by the fact that our society no longer allows us to have diseases with names, but rather acronyms, I’ve quickly become upset over the news coverage.
Time and again we are reminded how soldiers, police, firemen and the like are heroes. They risk their lives to help people, defend people, save people. They look into the dark eye of the beast on a daily basis and they hose the bastard down.
Whenever I read about SARS there are vague comments about the workers who are in the quarantined hospitals. Short comments about people who are disinfecting the public areas that have been closed. Minor mention of doctors, nurses, orderlies and volunteers who are working round the clock to save lives and prevent the spread of this deadly disease.
Where is the word “hero”? Are these people not risking their lives? Are they not staring into the eye of the beast in the hopes that you and I do not have to get this disease? Are they not contributing to the welfare of mankind?
I say that are. And I salute them, even if the world at large refuses to.
Thank you to all those in the healthcare industry around the world who are walking into a situation where an invisible assailant is waiting to lodge itself into your body and kill you. Thank you for working, without regard for your own life, to better the lives of others.
You are heroes, despite the fact that your actions do not make good television. Despite the fact that you do not topple statues, carry guns, run through flames or capture bad guys. One by one you give a child their parent back. You give a parent a child. A husband his wife. And you give communities hope.
Let it be known that, despite what it may seem, I believe you daring and brave people are true heroes.
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