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While watching the television reports of the September 11th
attacks on our nation, I noticed that an old country-western
song has become popular again. It was 18 years ago when
"God Bless the U.S.A." was first sung by Lee
Greenwood. It was written in dedication to America's
veterans. It became country music's Song of the Year in 1984
and enjoyed popularity during the Persian Gulf War.
Sales of this
patriotic song then dropped in the years that followed. For
example, in 1992, Greenwood's album American Patriot
sold only 235 copies. But the American response to the
terrorist attacks placed Greenwood's song in demand again. In
early October, 2001, American Patriot sold 59,000
copies. Greenwood has also been making guest appearances at
gatherings such as the interfaith service at Yankee Stadium on
September 23, 2001.
What does the
resurgence of an old county-western song have to do with the
helping professions? Success in any kind of counselling is
difficult to measure. Treatment programs are often accused of
having a revolving door policy which patients use and
abuse. Many alcoholics and drug addicts are admitted to
different types of treatment before achieving significant
stability in their lives. Relapse is common and serves to
blur the concept of treatment success. But, like Greenwood's
song, the seeds of recovery that are planted may flower for
a while, become dormant, and then flower again.
Contrary to the
revolving door theory, therapists will probably never
see most of their patients again after the cases have been
closed. Well, almost never.
Over the years
of my career, I have encountered here and there a former
patient. Once a young man followed me in the supermarket as I
did my weekly food shopping. He approached me, curiously
asking if I still worked over at the clinic. He politely
reminded me of his name. I had recognized him but my mind
went blank on his name. (The years go by so quickly.) He
proudly told me that he was still sober, still going to A.A.,
and thanked me for the help I had given him.
Success! Not
the kind of success that will make millions of dollars, or be
praised or even understood. This kind of success comes from
planting those seeds of mental health in a trusting
relationship between the therapist and the patient. Those
seeds may flower years later without our ever knowing it
unless a benevolent wind sends their fragrance to us.
Encounters like
this, and the occasional vacation postcard or Christmas card,
warm the heart and supplement the mediocre income which most
of us make. I imagine that Greenwood must have a similar good
feeling about his contribution to country music and to our
nation. He wrote a song about gratitude, he shared his
talent, and he was there when we needed him again.
We have all
touched others' lives with affirmation and hope. We can feel
proud of ourselves every day that we go to work and say the
right words to build up the lives of our patients. Our
expertise is needed, though devalued by some segments of our
society. Now, if only we were paid as much as a
country-western singer. (Written 10/01/01 -
Revised 12/01/03: bibliography available.)
Until we meet
again....... .......stay sane.
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