Walking In

Posted By Laughing_Wolf • [August 27, 2009]

The other day, in this post, I told you of the ceremony that happens to the wounded arriving at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center. There is something else that happens on arrival, that I can only tell you about, for it was not meet that I should photograph it.

Some who arrive at Landstuhl are ambulatory, some are in a category that falls between ambulatory and critical.  There are those from both groups who refuse (or try to refuse) a stretcher.  Then there is a special group that no matter what, make a point of doing something as they approach the doorway into the hospital.

This group refuses to be wheeled into the facility.  They will leave wheelchair or stretcher, and walk through that doorway.  They may have to get back onto or into that stretcher or wheelchair, but they are by God walking through that doorway no matter what.  It is a sign of defiance against what has happened, a matter of will to beat this new challenge they face, and -- for many -- it is a promise to themselves that they will walk out again under their own power. 

It is an intensely private and personal moment for them, and it is not mine to share in pictures.  That belongs to them.  For all those who walked in and for those that did indeed walk out, I simply share with you this image one of the many doors at Landstuhl. For it is not the doorway that is important, but the spirit that goes with walking through the doorway of challenge with pride, hope, and determination. 

LW

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Comments

Walking In

The other day, in this post, I told you of the ceremony that happens to the wounded arriving at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center. There is something else that happens on arrival, that I can only tell you about, for it was not meet that I should photograph it.

Some who arrive at Landstuhl are ambulatory, some are in a category that falls between ambulatory and critical.  There are those from both groups who refuse (or try to refuse) a stretcher.  Then there is a special group that no matter what, make a point of doing something as they approach the doorway into the hospital.

This group refuses to be wheeled into the facility.  They will leave wheelchair or stretcher, and walk through that doorway.  They may have to get back onto or into that stretcher or wheelchair, but they are by God walking through that doorway no matter what.  It is a sign of defiance against what has happened, a matter of will to beat this new challenge they face, and -- for many -- it is a promise to themselves that they will walk out again under their own power. 

It is an intensely private and personal moment for them, and it is not mine to share in pictures.  That belongs to them.  For all those who walked in and for those that did indeed walk out, I simply share with you this image one of the many doors at Landstuhl. For it is not the doorway that is important, but the spirit that goes with walking through the doorway of challenge with pride, hope, and determination. 

LW

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