Remember. Rise.

Distance: 3.8 miles
Start time: 8:07 am
Run Duration: 43 minutes
Pace: 11.3 minutes/mile
Temperature: 75 degrees
Humidity: 81%
Location: Hermann Park, Houston, TX

I'm still tired and I'm determined to break through this fatigue. I'm giving a presentation about health care providers and fatigue in a couple weeks. In doing the research I was interested to find that there haven't been many published works on the subject but there is emerging data on a syndrome called "Compassion Fatigue". This occurs when those of us who treat cancer become withdrawn and cynical over time in response to the continual witnessing of our patients' suffering. It's not yet an official diagnosis, but can lead to depression and anxiety. Well...duh. I know I've been there (off and on) for a couple years. I think certain life events have pushed me to a point of knowing that something has to change. I'm not sure what must change, though. I'm not sure if I need to get out of Oncology, achieve a change of scenery, or look at my support system - just what is it, exactly? I'm working on my energy requirements and expenditures honestly for the first time in my life. That's something. I feel a stirring, an awakening. This I know.

Today marks the fourth anniversary of the day that Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans. I continue to be in awe of the spirit of those who believe in their city and I feel it is important to keep New Orleans lifted up and in the front of our awareness. There is still much work to be done on so many levels. I feel hope for not only New Orleans' future but for the future of our country when I know it's in the hands of people like Chris and Adrienne who chose to remain in New Orleans when they could be somewhere else. I feel hope for our future when I talk with Paige and Josh, knowing they aren't taking the easy way. They're working to make this world better by living in Portland, training and working long hours in jobs that help people who might otherwise fall through the cracks.

On my way to Hermann Park today I saw the tree in the photo I've posted. I think it has something to tell us about survival. I'm trying very hard to be like that tree right now.