I'm writing a quick follow-up diary after being shaken up by the events surrounding Friday's bombing in Woodburn, Oregon.
The arctic blast that has encased Portland and the region in snow and ice is keeping my outlook equally frosty. Coffee helps, and yesterday's news from The Oregonian helps a little more.
Authorities arrested a suspect in the Salem area Sunday evening in the Woodburn bank bombing that killed two police explosives experts and injured the town's police chief and a bank employee.
While the nation was enthralled with the events related to President Bush, I joined with my wife at the home of local surgeons who held their annual Christmas Party for all in the surgical department to attend. We ate and took in the festivities. This party is generally known as a networking event for resident physicians and as a token of appreciation for the O.R. staff who work tirelessly to keep the scheduling and emergencies running smoothly.
Last night I had the chance to speak candidly with the surgeon who led the surgical team that worked on the Chief of Police's injuries following the incident. My past diary lays out the details of my reaction to working with this gentleman and other fine surgeons for hours, but what we spoke of last night wasn't exactly about surgery. In fact what we didn't say was louder than anything uttered in our ten-minute, seated conversation.
There was a bond created, and this case was its genesis. Between all of those who took part in it, the several of us that were present last night held this sense of wonderment. It was a deeper appreciation for the mundane that saw right through the shuffling and showiness and clamor of schmoozing, liquor and comestibles.
We discussed the condition of the Chief, critical but stable. We recalled moments during the case where we had trouble, where we laughed, where we cursed and where we felt relief and rejuvenated to continue. What we didn't say was how much this case took out of the both of us. That we both knew how this happened yet didn't understand why it did. Then we changed the subject and spoke of the party, our hosts and other guests, and we gave thanks for what we have and toasted to both our fortune and the hope for others to have it as well.
And that was it. Just like that, I felt somewhat better. I knew he did too. As I wrote in my previous diary entry, something about me changed in that operating room sometime late Friday night or early Saturday morning. I didn't feel that same present sensation that I've felt after years and decades of patient care. Until I return to work Wednesday, and maybe not for some time after then, I'm not certain if it will return.
Perhaps the news of this arrest will offer some solace to those affected by this vile and tragic act. I think what transpired in those ten or so minutes last night at the party may have helped me even more.
As I have not yet seen the Chief since Saturday, I cannot tell you anything about his condition other that that stated above. Out of consideration for the family and friends of the victims, and the state of the ongoing investigation, please consider them in your comments and questions below.
Thank you for reading and understanding. Peace on Earth. Good will toward all.