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The Bottom Line Results™ America's Rehabilitation As a specialist who designs and fits artificial limbs, I have cared for people who have survived amputation as a result of war, terrorism and natural disaster. Despite my personal experiences with trauma, I, like the rest of the nation, was thrown into shock and disbelief on the morning of Sept. 11, as our country came under attack. As I watched the images of the terrorist attack on television, I found myself struggling to cope with my emotions and the sense of what was happening. It became apparent to me that the impact of the attack on the United States was like an amputation--a part of our nation had been cut way. With this realization, I began to reflect on my experiences with my patients and explored what could be learned from the comparison of amputation and the terrorist attack on our nation. The initial response from most people who awaken to realize an arm or a leg has been amputated is a sense of loss combined with an overwhelming fear of the unknown. "Why did this happen?" and "How will I recover from this trauma?" are questions I have heard from my patients over my 20-year career. These are now the same questions I find myself asking about the terrorist attack. Exploring these questions helps me come to terms with how to react to our nation's injury. Why did this happen? Although this is the most common question, it is one that cannot be answered, and more importantly, has no bearing on recovery. Regardless of the cause of amputation, the fact remains that a limb is permanently gone, and searching for an answer as to why it happened will not change the present situation. Our country has been wounded, and like a missing limb, this fact is painfully obvious. Finding an answer as to why it happened will not change our present condition. What will make a significant impact on our recovery is searching within ourselves to identify how we can contribute as individuals and as a community to assist with the healing, rehabilitation and rebuilding process. By looking past the "why" and asking what you can do to make a contribution toward recovery will create a positive environment with a focus on getting better. How will I recover from this trauma? The answer is complex and extremely personal for each individual. This is a new experience, and it is essential for each person to acknowledge that it is necessary to grow and learn to overcome new challenges. A person may have lots of experience walking before losing a limb, but once a limb has been amputated, it is now necessary to learn new fundamentals for walking. Your past experiences may have served you well, but the fact remains that this is a new situation and will require actions, thoughts and emotions that will likely be unfamiliar. Opening yourself to listen and learn from others has significant value, as it creates the foundation for communication and community. Talk to others, and openly share your fears, expectations and goals. Equally important is listening, taking the time to allow others to give in return. If there were ever a time to unite and look for ways to connect honestly with your friends, neighbors and associates and to foster new relationships, this is it. I never imagined that my training and experience as a certified prosthetist would provide me with the guidance and insight to cope with the vicious attacks that took place on this country. Our nation has undergone an amputation. It has lost a part of what it once was. Although this injury cannot be undone, I believe beyond any doubt that we will recover. I am truly grateful for the hundreds of patients I have cared for over the years, as they have unknowingly prepared me to confront and address the turmoil created within me because of the Sept. 11 tragedy. Despite the trauma they have endured, amputees across our nation are living full, productive lives and accomplishing personal and professional goals. These Americans reflect the resilience and the character of our nation. We will endure. We will mend. And we will flourish.
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