“Daddy changed the world.” – Gianna Floyd

No doubt the entire world watched as the verdict was handed down within ten hours of deliberation. Not a single not guilty verdict came forth in response to the video that captured the entire world’s attention. No matter your position on the intoxication and condition of the deceased, you have watched the video displaying nine minutes of ebbing breath at the hands of a figure of authority.

I am a physician.  When I review labs or offer opinions on courses of action for any given patient, I am acutely aware of the implications of my work. I know a patient is sitting by his or her phone waiting on my verdict about a lab or medical options. I know how precious each life is. I know how fearsome each phone call may be. I try to approach each patient’s fear as if their questions were my only task at hand. Each life is so very precious. No matter someone’s addiction or circumstance, the lives of each man, woman and child remain precious.

So when Gianna made that statement, she looked for some solace amidst the loss of a man she called Daddy, one who would no longer hug or mentor her in person. And she will come to realize that his loss will have had a large and lasting implication for the world with time.

I do not ask you to agree with me. I merely highlight a historical event – one that befell this nation and probably the world at large, one whose motion for justice gives hope to a large portion of humanity who has otherwise felt invisible.

Always yours in health,

Dr. Abha