Profile of courage – the battle against Ebola

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These days when fear reigns and boldness becomes elusive, as I look around and try to find examples of courage to encourage me I am almost always sure to find it in one place; I am certain to find it in the place where in the face of mind boggling danger, fear is overcome and courage is crowned. As a viable cure agonizingly tarries, part of the mystery of Ebola lies in the fact that just as many probe the whereabouts of God when the monstrous disease ravages through the lands, questioning their faith in and about the same, many have reported miracles only because Ebola is here. This however is not what intrigues me the most.

As I have watched this disease battle and threaten mankind, aiming and dealing vicious blows and claiming many lives, I have been intrigued and marveled and amazed and blessed to observe the doctors who, despite knowing that many medical soldiers like themselves have lost and continue risking and losing their lives in the line of duty even after taking all necessary precautions to prevent infection, relentlessly continue in their desire and tireless efforts to help. Given that the symptomatic episodes of the disease do not immediately manifest, there is always a real risk that every doctor in the ravaged countries is treating and consulting and touching a patient who has the disease. They know this risk, they know colleagues who have transitioned from doctor/nurse to Ebola patient, yet they overcome the fear, honor their noble Hippocratic oath, and rise to the challenge, celebrating the very best of our humanity in numberless diverse acts of courage, engaging in a cause and course larger than themselves. I have a friend whose daddy, a physician met his death on the line of duty in this way. I salute his memory and that of all the medical practitioners who have sacrificed their lives fighting this disease. I salute your matchless humanity and rare courage. I celebrate and thank Dr. Kent Brantly, Nancy Writebol, the Cuban doctors who just made it to West Africa, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) and all those who have and continue to fight this monster on behalf of all humanity, especially those on the ground in the countries most hit, toiling with scant resources under sometimes inhuman conditions.

© October 2014 afesehngwaHilary