We Can Only Hope

I don’t recall when it first occurred to me. Or when I became certain there was no other way out. But for a long time I’ve been convinced the only chance our planet has for survival is if women control things, at nearly ever level. To be be quite honest, the male of the species has had its chance and failed. Men have a role to play, for sure, but that’s another conversation.

I’ve been thinking of Caitlin Clark, leading her team to the national championship game. How could I not. The best player in women’s basketball playing for my home state Iowa Hawkeyes. Juliann was an all-state center at the high school Caitlin attended. I attended the same school fifty years earlier. But it’s not just the local connections that prompt my admiration. Caitlin is a role model, inspiring girls and boys to be the best they can be. Remarkably skilled, and passionate, she encourages everyone around her to be their best.

I’ve been thinking about my girls. Kate, trained as a social worker, is now a manager for a large electrical contractor, engaged in the task of lifting up those she supervises. She’ll be the president of the company someday, I’m sure. Juliann, who once led others on the court to be their best, now oversees maternal and child health and other programs for the state of Iowa. Sarah, a psychiatrist, works with children and adolescent victims of trauma. Mary, our dog whisperer, is a nurse deep into her studies as a doctoral student and committed to equal access to mental health services. And Julia, Phil’s wife, a psychologist who nurtures the compassionate side of medical students, teaching them the intangibles of the art of medicine.

I’ve added to my list of heroes Sangduen “Lek” Chailert. Recognized as one of six Global Conservation Females and a “Hero of Asia” by Time Magazine, Lek was recently awarded France’s “Legion d'Honneur” by President Macron for her work to protect elephants and the environment.

Born in a mountain village in northern Thailand, her grandfather was a shaman who worked with the sick and injured, humans as well as other animals. Lek learned much from him and in her early twenties rescued her first elephant. For the next decade she brought other abused and mistreated elephants home until establishing the Elephant Nature Park north of Chiang Mai in 2003.

Jen and I spent most of a day at the park. 114 of the gentle giants are now safe because of Lek’s passionate belief that elephants are the equal of humans,

perhaps more so in important respects.

Many of those rescued were abused by illegal logging operations,

blinded by hooks that ripped away there eye sight.

Some were broken down by trekking companies profiting from those who’d rather pay to ride than walk.

There were the circuses that separated the young from their mothers resulting in life long trauma.

And poachers too.

Lek is not alone in her efforts. Other individuals and organizations in India, Africa and Southeast Asia are engaged in similar work. But Lek is in it for the long haul, and the sanctuary is a testament to her tenacity.

The elephants roam freely.

Mother and child.

Young

and old.

Each tended to by a trained and compassionate caregiver.

It’s interesting that even in the elephant world, the male goes his own solitary way after the teenage years while the female is committed for life to the family.

After receiving the “Legion d'Honneur” from Macron, Lek declared simply:

To the end of my life, I will stand up and work to safeguard our natural resources, and to be a voice for the silent creatures who enrich this web of Life called Home.

There are individuals like Lek Chailert at nearly every level in this modern world. Many if not most are women.

We can only hope that a critical mass is reached before it’s too late.