Mowing the Lawn While the House Burns Down

I find it interesting how people handle stress. For instance, some become angry while others become quiet, but one’s focus during stress is most interesting. I know many examples after traumatic incidents. One example occurred during an accident investigation. A driver reported a semi-truck ran her off the road causing her vehicle to roll and, as a result, killed her young grandson. Witnesses related the vehicle drifted off the road causing the accident. At that moment, her recollection allowed her to cope with the accident.

The other day I assisted people evacuated from their homes because of a large wildfire above the town. I escorted residents home to retrieve items. I felt for them. For over a week,

they lived elsewhere. Today, the fire was smaller. The risk appeared minor compared to a week earlier. During my day, I escorted a mom and kids up to their house. On arrival, her husband stood in the driveway. She said something to him while pulling into the garage causing him to become upset. As a result, he walked towards me with a purpose.

His purpose, without a doubt, was understandable. First, fire threatened to destroy his home. Next, he evacuated his family for over a week. Now, they told his wife to stay in the house. As a result, stress raged through him like the out-of-control fire. He pointed to his lawn and said, “I need to mow the lawn.” That is why he was upset. His top worry was not mowing, however, his focus on mowing the lawn allowed him to handle his stress.

In conclusion, we handle stress in different ways. For instance, we may alter a recollection or focus on a menial task. Because someone alters a recollection doesn’t make them a liar. Also, if they focus on a menial task, they aren’t ridiculous. When we notice the way a person reacts to stress, however, we find empathy instead of judgment.