Unrealized compassion is the silver lining in a very dark cloud

An often unrealized understanding of the broad compassion communities have for its people quickly becomes clear when a road collision kills or injures one of its number.

Inattention coupled with a
 multitude of other ingredients can
 lead to collisions.

In what seems like only moments, news of the collision and it consequences ricochet around the respective community and this hitherto unseen, and often unrealized, compassion, sympathy and eagerness to help erupts.
Should we search in desperation for the silver lining in this dark cloud that settles upon us after a road collision then it is this – the astonishing community bonding that emanates when a collision brings death or injury, turmoil and tragedy.
People, some often remote from the tragedy itself, respond in what is a very human way bringing in anyway they can to those involved, warmth, support, reassurance and the personal contact that is known to be critical in repairing the physical or emotional damage arising from the collision.
Collision survivors are often strikingly alone for while the event might have left them with certain, and obvious, physical difficulties, it is frequently the unseen emotional changes that trigger a pervasive sense of isolation.
Many survivors often tell about the evaporation of friendships once it becomes obvious they are longer able to participate in the spontaneity often demanded by personal relationships.
However, and importantly, some in our communities willingly take up that responsibility and so provide that essential human contact that the welfare each of us hinges on.
The recuperation and renovation of a person depends upon many things, but few, beyond the intricacies of medicine, have move impact than social contact and that is often to be found in the work place.
Work, regardless of what it is, has a social value that far exceeds whatever financial reward it may or may not attract.
A “Cool Heads” program at Shepparton’s Harder Auditorium on Wednesday night was structured with the aim of encouraging young drivers to avoid the road collisions and subsequent personal dilemmas that bring on the aforementioned community compassion.
Walking home after the event allowed time for messages and graphic images to expand and provide another reminder that safe road use is about attitude and an understanding of the consequences.