LIFE IN THE EYE OF THE STORM

By Akin Ojumu

Imagine me arriving at work this morning only to learn that we lost another one of our remaining contract staff. It seems as though there’s no week that passes these days without hearing the news of a staff member gone. The atmosphere over here is reminiscent of the mayhem, destruction, and devastation left behind by a passing category 5 hurricane.

This particular individual who just lost his job is an infectious disease physician with decades of experience that’s impossible to replace by an executive fiat. Having worked for the US Government as a Uniformed Services personnel member in the HIV vaccine research field for most of his career, Dr D. retired a few years ago. But because of his passion for the science and commitment to people living with HIV, he soon returned as a contract staff to continue the search for an HIV cure. 

Unfortunately, he has now lost his contract position having been caught up in the whirlwind of the chaos and confusion brought on the nation by the current windbags and blowhards presiding over the US Government in Washington. In a farewell email this morning, Dr D informs us that his part-time contract position has been terminated.

Here’s an excerpt from his e-mail.

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

Today is my last day at the NIH for at least the foreseeable future as I learned from my contractor with the Office of AIDS Research, XXXX Group, that my part-time contract would be ending. 

Although I will be leaving the “federal umbrella” for now, I have really enjoyed working with all of you and look forward to future opportunities to work together and/or just to socialize. 

With all my daughters now out of the house (at least temporarily), I will continue to consult, volunteer, and catch-up with friends. I’m planning to hike and cycle more as well as improve my table tennis and pickleball (which I just started last year).

Despite the current chaos and aggressive disruptions, I hope that we can all continue our ongoing efforts against HIV with long-term goals of safe and effective vaccines, therapy, and hopefully a cure. 

Please do not reply to my nih.gov email as this will be going offline shortly. If you wish to contact me, you can reach me via my gmail or personal cell.

Thanks for the opportunities to work together and best wishes always.

D…

D…J. H…, MD, MPH

Independent Consultant

Email:  xyz@gmail.com

iPhone: xxx-xxx-xxxx

There’s a heavy price to be paid for this senseless havoc that’s being wreaked on the US Government. You cannot continue to bleed experience and expertise at this rate and think there’s not going to be grave consequences. This unnecessary brain drain is eventually going to cost innocent people their lives. Poor and powerless Americans are the ones who are going to pay the penalty for the present lunacy in Washington.

In all of these confusion and uncertainties, however, I have an unusual peace of mind. Despite the chaos, an unexplained calmness envelops my soul. In fact, I continue to sleep and snore as I’ve always done. I’m able to do so not because I don’t care about what’s going on, but because I know God cares and He remains in full control of what’s going on.

As I observe the raging storm, there’s a song playing at the back of mind. It’s that song by Ryan Stevenson titled, “Eye of the Storm.” The chorus goes like this.

In the eye of the storm

You remain in control

And in the middle of the war

You guard my soul

You alone are the anchor

When my sails are torn

Your love surrounds me

In the eye of the storm

To which I say, Amen!