Shock, The Human Factor
Judy Ramsook
July 29, 2006
Before NASA launches space shuttles such as Columbia into space, be it a mission to the International Space Station or to conduct repairs on some satellite, at some point, prior to take off, a NASA official will inform the press and members of the media that the seven astronauts on the mission are aware of the risks involved.
One such risk, as we all know, is death. It can happen upon launch or return from the mission, as was the case three years ago when space shuttle Columbia exploded over Texas on its return voyage. Similarly, young men and women who voluntarily join whatever sector of the armed forces as soldiers are also aware of certain risks involved.
They are aware that if war breaks out they would be required to serve their country by engaging in battle with the enemy.
When that occurs, they are aware of other factors as well. They can get hurt, lose a limb or two or worse, end up being fatally wounded or shot.
With this in mind, why then do the parents of such soldiers display so much surprise, grief and a certain degree of shock when they are informed of their son’s or daughter’s death during battle? For they all knew the risks involved, the soldier’s parents as well as the soldier him or herself.
It is the belief of this writer that no one, no matter how great or insignificant thinks that anything bad is going to happen to him/her or his/her kin.
Moreover, it is this notion that carries us through the days and years as we go about our daily lives; that invisible force that prevents us from thinking of the unthinkable.
Does that mean that some individuals who think that nothing bad can ever occur to them are in denial about a few harsh realities of life? Not necessarily.
The truth of the matter is, they are very well aware of all the bad that can happen, they just choose not to think about it too much or dwell on it.
Maybe such persons do not wish to envision a life without his or her loved one or kin. For we all know how difficult that can be when some one we adore has been suddenly removed from this world, searching everywhere for answers when that occurs, but not being satisfied with any explanation anyone may have to offer. The absence of that person might be too much to bear.
For no matter how many days may come and go, one will not hear that loved one’s voice again or see him or her in the same way they once did when that person was among the living.
Risks or not, no one likes to think of the bad that could come out of a son or daughter who is away helping his or her country fight a war. So why think of the bad that has not yet occurred?
The above article was recently submitted to www.todays-woman.net site but was bumped off that site's system due to a server problem with that website.
One such risk, as we all know, is death. It can happen upon launch or return from the mission, as was the case three years ago when space shuttle Columbia exploded over Texas on its return voyage. Similarly, young men and women who voluntarily join whatever sector of the armed forces as soldiers are also aware of certain risks involved.
They are aware that if war breaks out they would be required to serve their country by engaging in battle with the enemy.
When that occurs, they are aware of other factors as well. They can get hurt, lose a limb or two or worse, end up being fatally wounded or shot.
With this in mind, why then do the parents of such soldiers display so much surprise, grief and a certain degree of shock when they are informed of their son’s or daughter’s death during battle? For they all knew the risks involved, the soldier’s parents as well as the soldier him or herself.
It is the belief of this writer that no one, no matter how great or insignificant thinks that anything bad is going to happen to him/her or his/her kin.
Moreover, it is this notion that carries us through the days and years as we go about our daily lives; that invisible force that prevents us from thinking of the unthinkable.
Does that mean that some individuals who think that nothing bad can ever occur to them are in denial about a few harsh realities of life? Not necessarily.
The truth of the matter is, they are very well aware of all the bad that can happen, they just choose not to think about it too much or dwell on it.
Maybe such persons do not wish to envision a life without his or her loved one or kin. For we all know how difficult that can be when some one we adore has been suddenly removed from this world, searching everywhere for answers when that occurs, but not being satisfied with any explanation anyone may have to offer. The absence of that person might be too much to bear.
For no matter how many days may come and go, one will not hear that loved one’s voice again or see him or her in the same way they once did when that person was among the living.
Risks or not, no one likes to think of the bad that could come out of a son or daughter who is away helping his or her country fight a war. So why think of the bad that has not yet occurred?
The above article was recently submitted to www.todays-woman.net site but was bumped off that site's system due to a server problem with that website.
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