Valar Dohaeris - Time to Serve

We learn so much from our stories – fictional work can be a source of great insight. HBOs rendition of G.R.R. Martins classic “A song of Ice and Fire” was a cultural phenomenon. It glued many to their TV screens and took us all through varying emotional states. It is undoubtedly my all-time favorite show.

Valar Morghulis – All men must die, and the response Valar Dohaeris – All men must serve a common greeting in the series, has always perplexed me. What does it mean ? I had never quite understood its relevance until now. I find myself drawing parallels between the fear and anxiety that precipitated the Night King ( the villain – there are many), and our current predicament with COVID. How do you fight a force that you cannot see? How do you combat an enemy that seems indestructible but leaves so much havoc in its wake? The simple answer is courage. The courage to do what is right, the courage to put the needs of others over yours, the courage to try.

I am privileged to work in healthcare. Here, courage is displayed in all its splendor. The caregivers continuously face risks that many will run from. They put themselves at risk daily to ensure others have a chance. I salute all the doctors, nurses, respiratory technicians for their valor. Equally as valiant are the environmental workers, supply chain, aides, engineers, various technicians, administrators and technologists who are doing amazing work supporting the environment of care.

Yet we do not have enough, many are home hoping someone else will step up. This is the time for courage. If you can help in anyway please do so. If you can show appreciation to all those who are on the front-lines so that you don’t have to, do so. If you can volunteer time to help others, please do so.

In this time nothing resonates with me more than the phrase (from game of thrones) valar dohaeris “All men must Serve”.  The courage to serve gives meaning, gives hope , gives continuity. Let us honor those who have the courage to serve, and draw from them inspiration join them in our own way. Valar Dohaeris !