Third Act
With mechanisms for expelling physical and psychological catarrh in
place, the conditions were now set for Rose, as well as her medical
team, to achieve catharsis. As she started to take more care of her
physical appearance, she became engaged in life, made friends, developed
hobbies and voiced age-appropriate concerns. Throughout the years of
accompanying her, the medical professionals had felt distressed when
Rose struggled. Now they too experienced relief, as she prevailed.
According to Aristotle, pity and terror are instrumental for the
cleansing process on the theatrical stage. (3) Likewise on the medical
stage, our patients’ tragedies and triumphs can have a cathartic effect
on us. The intensity of doctor-patient relationships varies, for a
myriad of reasons, many of them rooted in our own psyche. It is not
always easy or intuitive to honestly engage. But once we commit
ourselves, shared emotions tie us not only to the other person, but also
to our own sense of being human and what it means to be alive. This
awareness can purge us of petty concerns and connect us to our own
authentic self.
Odysseus managed to return home eventually. Even after 20 years of
separation, his wife Penelope takes him back. In spite of the many
suitors outside the castle vying to take the reign, he reclaims his
kingdom once again. Rose turns 20 this year. As she says, “I have a
different sense of being and it feels good”. Like in the Greek
tragedies, she can now reclaim herself and blossom.