I am writing this blog during a time when I am normally overwhelmed by work. Instead of the hustle of a fully packed practice, today there is silence. The radio in the waiting room is silent; there is no need to play it when there are no people to hear it. The fire in the fireplace is burning in an empty room but later today a handful of clients will make their way down to the office for much needed sessions. Yesterday was the same. A record number of power outages a result of a rare October snowstorm, the exact amount that fell is being debated by at least one weatherman who questions the official tally of 23 inches. Frigid weather exacerbates the issue as hundreds of thousands of powerless people find themselves living without heat, lights and in many cases without water. Even Halloween has been cancelled due to concerns over children finding downed power lines instead of treats. My office was lucky in that we have power, if not people who are able to attend sessions. But this blog is not about what we lack but instead is about what we gained when the power was lost. I have no details to give you about the actual storm as I was safely in upstate New York seeing one of my wife’s art pieces on display at an art opening. It was a great way to celebrate 16 years of marriage. The ironic thing was that in upstate New York we had no storm, no snow at all in fact and we still had a brilliant array of leaves in which to peep. Driving home though we saw the results of the storm, downed trees, snow banks, broken power poles, power lines covering the roads; devastation. Our humble home atop the office was warm. The normally quiet home of three at times was a cozy home for nine or so. It was nice to see all the chairs in the dining room filled with overflow on the couches and chairs in the family room. It was nice to see the pot pie, peas, dinner rolls and other foods being passed from person to person, some of whom had just met at the dinner table. Friends and family enjoying the warmth; friends and family blending into an extended family until labels no longer existed and strangers grew close. Turns were taken for showers, just like the old days. Some stayed for the night while others ventured back to their darkened homes; all were welcome to stay. After our meal we attempted to finally hook up the bindings on some vintage 1983 military surplus snow shoes that I had purchased the year before. The directions made little sense but as a team we figured it out. I will likely try them out today or very soon, if sessions do not allow for an attempt this afternoon. In the daytime the office was open for those who could venture out. The office purchased food and beverages so that anyone who came was offered a fresh sandwich and something to drink; no one would go hungry in the aftermath of storm Alfred. To our surprise and delight we learned that the majority of those who made it to their sessions and those who came with them had had access to warm food. Few took us up on our offer of food but all were warmed by even the offer. We offered batteries, bottled water and other supplies as we could. It was the right thing to do. During my lunch break I went to friend’s house to walk their dog and stock the woodstove. I visited the WIP; it too was without power but was freshly plowed. The fields belied the secretive wildlife that makes it home when no one is watching. The snow prints telling of their tails. Power is returning for many and strictly speaking, we do not need to have a large communal meal tonight, but we are. I am looking forward to homemade pasta sauce and conversation. Adversities can bring out the best and worst in people but it is we who ultimately decide which will brighten or darken our entry ways. As clinicians we choose to brighten the darkness, to lead, to guide those who are not sure which direction to take. Though they ultimately choose for themselves, our humble suggestion and gentle nudges can make all the difference. Living and acting congruently with our message gives it all the right weight. Be safe, stay warm and choose the light.
Warren Corson III (Doc Warren) is a counselor and the clinical & executive director of a community counseling agency in central CT (www.docwarren.org).