“The purpose of life is a life of purpose.”
-Robert Byrne
The sun beat down on our backs and you could see the hard efforts starting to pay off. People were talking and singing, laughing and building, and having a great time contributing to their community. The place they were building was in a lush green landscape, close to the middle of town with many other building surrounding it.
The peak of the day had just arrived, and with it a long lunch break. As everyone gathered in the shade, she offered up a prayer to thank the Lord for all their blessings and for the food they had been given. They then all sprawled about the green and ate their meal. Afterwards, as had become the custom, all gathered and shared something that they were touched by today. It could be as simple as someone coming over and just helping them, or seeing the kids come by and swinging on the swing set. Then it was back to work till five in the afternoon.
It was today that the medical center was to be finished, their hard work accomplished. The idea had come from a young woman who was now in the military. She had wanted to help those who couldn’t pay medical bills. She was now working with those who came out of the war and back into their old life. A life filled with new understandings and often those she worked with had post traumatic stress disorder.
She had often had dreams and knew early on in life what she wished to do. “I wish to become a nurse,” she would say. However, she never knew or expected to be going to Iraq or building hospitals. She had accomplished so much. The medical center the community was working on would be their 50th one so far. Once she got back, a big celebration was to be held in her honor.
“Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.”
-Unknown
On base, life was hard for her; constant drills, threats, and men and women coming for advice. Seeing all that they had to go through on a daily basis had changed her and she was doing everything to help them cope with what they had seen. She was the on-base doctor and also a psychiatrist. She had been here for four years, and was happy that she would be heading home soon.
She walked to her window and looked out at the desert and hard, hot sun. The long days that never seemed to end, the nights that held many horrors. She was saddened to be leaving, but knew that her time had been well spent. She sat back down at her desk, just as a soldier came in.
“Good afternoon, John. How can I help you today?” she said.
“Afternoon, doctor,” the young soldier said. He took a seat and took a deep breath. “I am so messed up. I don’t know what keeps me going and how I am to continue. Half my team has already died and it seems that any day, my life could also end. And sometimes I wish it just would.”
She had to deal with stories like this on a daily basis. She took a long look at the soldier and began her usual process of talking with the soldier about life and trying to find the sole problem. It wasn’t easy, but it was something that had to happen, something she was proud to do.
“Nearly everything you do is of no importance. But it is important that you do it.”
-Gandhi
The medical center the group was working on was almost finished. The boiling sun had disappeared behind a cloud and being able to work without it beating down on your back was a wonderful feeling. They continued to press forward, realizing that the only things left to do was paint a few walls and set electrical and plumbing up. The day had come when they would be done for good. they were thrilled knowing all their hard work had finally paid off and being able to know the woman responsible for this would be home within the week made it all the better.
“All ready to see the finished building?” the builder yelled out.
“Let us see it!!” the community and helpers yelled back. The lights came on and the sign saying “Oak Hill Medical Center” lit up. A great shout and cheering could be heard for miles away. People were laughing and crying with joy. They had done it and accomplished building something that would be used for a very long time.
“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Life the life you have imagined.”
-Thoreau
She boarded the plane in Iraq and knew that son she would be back on American soil, back to her home town. All the way back she slept and when she arrived she drove to the new Oak Hill Medical Center to see the work that had been done.
As she opened the door to the building, people from all directions jumped out and yelled, “Surprise!” She was so shocked and tears started forming in her eyes. She was so excited and happy to see the work done. She never expected them to still be there when she returned. It was the best welcome back party she could have ever wished for.
A young girl came forward and said, “What do you think Melissa?”
“Very impressive, Ronnie,” she responded, picking up the girl and spinning her around. “Did you help with this too?”
“Of course I did!” Ronnie said giggling. She gave Melissa a big hug and then they continued celebrating late into the evening.
“If we are who we should be, we will set the world on fire.”
-Unknown
If there is one thing in this world that I want more than anything, it would be to go into the medical field and make a lasting imprint on the world. I wish to do what the main character did. I want to build medical centers all around the world, helping those who can’t help themselves. I want to travel to natural disaster victims and teach them valuable lessons, help them back on their feet, bring them medical supplies, and join doctors without borders. I also want to help soldiers with post traumatic stress disorder and join the military as a doctor, nurse, or psychiatrist. These are my life long goals which I wish to do before I die. As long as I impact one person’s life, than I have accomplished what my dream is- a yearning to help those who need guidance and help.
“What we do doesn’t define who we are; who we are defines what we do.”
-Bobby Love
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