At a recent dinner among friends connected by their experiences raising children with disabilities, the conversation shifted from casual topics to deeper questions about fairness in the world. The group had just dropped off their adult children at a social dance for people with developmental disabilities before gathering at a local restaurant.
During the meal, one participant asked, “Why is the world so unfair?” She reflected on scenes from the dance they had attended, as well as images from fundraising campaigns showing children facing serious illnesses and other forms of suffering. The discussion touched on issues raised by organizations such as St. Jude Children’s Hospital and Save the Children, as well as animal welfare groups like the ASPCA.
The conversation grew more somber when she posed another question: “Maybe they never should have been born.” This prompted a period of silence among those at the table.
Reflecting on these moments, one attendee drew parallels to experiences in patient care. “In patient care, we see differences, disparities and contrasts. Within the space of a single day, we see so many people and hear so many stories of things that seem unfair and unjust,” they said. They explained how viewing each clinical encounter as part of a collection of short stories helps provide perspective and maintain motivation for their work.
