We have a lot of self-righteousness in American society today. A lot of vindictiveness. A lot of outrage. Two things we seem to have in short supply are forgiveness and second chances.
Charlotte Boynton’s front-page article about Michael Connors is a story about forgiveness and second chances – and third, fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh chances. Then a few more.
When we began to learn about the overdose-reversing drug Narcan a few years ago, there were many people who did not see the point, including some of our politicians.
“Let them die,” was the attitude among this group. “They’ll just do it again.”
Indeed, many with addiction do use again and again, and even overdose again and again. That’s why we call it a heroin addiction instead of a heroin hobby.
Many with addiction survive, however – often thanks to first aid with Narcan and other medical interventions, not to mention treatment that can last for years and continue through relapse after relapse.
They have families who are grateful for their survival, regardless of the pain their addiction may have caused.
For Mr. Connors, his survival will have a multiplier effect. In addition to his own family, his clients and their families will share the same gratitude as they gain the same second, third, or 33rd chance he had. He may one day have a multitude grateful for his survival, whether they realize it or not.
We would like to see those who did not want to save people like Mr. Connors spend some time with survivors of the opioid epidemic and their families in the years ahead, to understand for themselves the loss that would have resulted had emergency agencies, medical professionals, and more compassionate politicians not chosen a higher road. Maybe these people could use some forgiveness too.
We could all stand to grow our capacity for forgiveness and think about whether someone in our own lives needs another chance.
