Jane H. Davis

I've been to New York City quite a few times, but never even close to Ground Zero, reluctant to deal with any sensations related to such a horrific tragedy. First time author Jane H. Davis makes me feel as if I had walked and seen and heard and smelled and even touched the aftermath of September 11. She led me there - among the "sixteen acres of devastation" - and I followed willingly somehow. Then she led me through the peaks and valleys of her life in the 10 years that have ensued since her Ground Zero experience, and again, I followed.

This memoir touched me, very deeply at times. Why? Jane drew me like a magnet. Caring, strong, outgoing, smart and determined, Jane sets an example, a woman compelled to do the right thing instinctively.

Just as she gave of herself at Ground Zero volunteering under the auspices of the Red Cross, so Jane gives to those in her private and business lives. Some respond in kind, others not so much. A precious and unexpected challenge for Jane is her husband Gary, a physician and retired Army colonel, his reserved nature and health issues (including cancer) testing her devotion and fortitude.

Her voice is straightforward (Jane is a registered nurse). Her narrative gives just enough detail, not too much, not too little (although every now and then, I might have liked a wee bit more). Her characters' dialogue is effortless and natural.

There are many passages in "First Aid for Heroes" that resonated with me. This one particularly struck me:

"Tell me why it is when someone hears your story about cancer that they feel they must share every terrible thing that they know about it and then tell me how someone they know had some form of cancer and suffered terribly and died? Why do they think I want to hear this? Don't they know I am just coming to grips with it myself and hearing the "worst case scenario" is not being helpful. I just nod my head and listen, but inside I am going I just can't stand to hear you talk!"

I believe that the heroes whom Jane references in the title of her memoir are the Ground Zero fallen. However, to me, Jane portrays other heroes, too. Selflessness, faith, hope, love and compassion are the dominant threads woven throughout the tapestry of Jane's tale. It is a life-affirming read.
… (lisätietoja)