Insight: Band-aid on the heart

By Lorraine Glowczak

I recently read a story about a singer/songwriter who, after a very painful breakup from her long-time love, wore a band-aid over her heart as a symbol of her grief. Although the story itself had no impact on me, the words, “band-aid on the heart” certainly grabbed my attention and has stayed with me all week.

When I can’t seem to break free from the grip of certain thoughts and they remain in my awareness longer that I’d prefer, I know I need to brace myself because something is coming next that will require me to step out of my comfort zone or to confront a certain situation. That something was in an email that arrived the other day.

“Hi Lorraine,” the email began. “I understand you folks want to keep things positive and thank goodness, someone has to in Windham. Just so you understand that everything is not so great for many of us in Windham right now…..”

It’s true. If you are a faithful reader, you are very aware that The Windham Eagle is a positive and solution-based newspaper. And, if you know me, for better or worse, I “ooze with passion and enthusiasm” (as another email to me stated).

I struggle with these truths about myself because there is the perception that I may be denying the terrible realities that exists in this world. The fact is, I do understand that there are many hardships, disagreements, strife and adversities that people experience, including yours truly. To ignore these realities is disrespectful; not only to the individual, but to the situation. In our attempt to focus on the solutions part of the equation, it provides an opportunity to find ways to overcome our problems, and thus an opportunity to learn and grow.

It is our hope that our readers notice our efforts to provide resolutions. To some, it may appear as if we are only placing a band-aid over the difficult circumstances. But that’s not how I choose to see it.

I am aware that we cannot completely avoid negative or cynical thoughts, but in seeking out those stories that deliver constructive solutions, it also provides a bit of hope amid the chaos and pain. For example, how can one not experience hopefulness after reading the article about Dr. Kathryn Loukas (see front page.) She tells the story about the life changing experience she had while working with young children who had spinal cord injuries and were skiers – who instead of feeling sorry for themselves, chose determination, grit and a life of joy.

And speaking of joy – the rest of the story about the singer/songwriter is that a man noticed the band-aid she was wearing. Admiring her vulnerability, he wanted to get to know her. That man is now her husband and they have two children.

I suspect that things are not always perfect for Ms. Singer/Songwriter in her happily ever after story, but in finding a little creative “band-aid on the heart” solution to a painful situation, things did change for the better – at least for a while and to our knowledge.

So, if providing a solution is a band-aid – perhaps then, a band-aid is what we need to heal after all.