Brave People

Not too long ago I attended a meeting that focused on the health care debate currently dominating much attention in our country. There were only nine of us present so, thankfully, there was none of the shouting, hate mongering and overall nonsense that seems to be occurring at so many of the public meetings on this subject these days. Despite the fact all of us agreed health care reform is needed, everyone behaved in a respectful manner and made no attempt to criticize or verbally attack those who feel differently. Still, some of the conversation was emotional. Several people had heartfelt stories to tell of how their lives have been totally upended because of their battles with and treatment by insurance companies.

One gentlemen, for instance, confessed he currently owes over $100,000 in medical expenses that he believed was going to be covered by his insurance company. Instead, the insurance company decided his "pre-existing condition" was reason enough not to pick up the cost of his needed surgeries. A couple shared the plight of their son, who had become unexpectedly ill. As the boy's condition grew worse their insurance company became less responsive and, ultimately, also concluded it was not responsible for providing the financial assistance upon which this couple was greatly depending. Like the man who spoke before them, they, too, are now heavily in debt and are feeling quite hopeless at the prospect of ever getting back on their feet.

Listening to these people tell their stories, I was struck at how none of us like to display our vulnerabilities to others. Even though we all know we are vulnerable on some level and have plenty of weak spots, generally, we tend to cover them up when around others in the false hope they will think that we totally have our so-called acts together. Maybe, in a number of ways, most of do. But at the same time, as I drove home that night, I reflected on how quickly all of us can become unraveled and have our lives can go from being hopeful to hopeless when things we take for granted or expectations we might have are not met. For me, at least, the brave people who shared their vulnerabilities that night are not only what this health care debate should be about, but their honesty should be what communication itself is about. No spinning. No test marketing. Just plain, simple openness.