Author Description

On his last day as a resident in psychiatry, Dr. Jorch Karson decided to entertain his therapy group with a lighthearted game of lifeboat. The object is to observe the process by which the members discern who in the group would be expendable if only a specified number could survive. Dr. Vanderwillt, an elderly, male patient, is jokingly rebuffed by some of the younger group members, who imply that because of his age, he should not object to being dumped overboard. In retaliation, the incensed Dr. Vanderwillt proclaims that there is one thing far worse than getting old; not having the choice. The story, Lifeboat, is about a young, naïve doctor who, with the encouragement of a very charming program coordinator, becomes unwittingly involved in a program called GRFL, or “Gentle Relief from Life.” The program is comparable to the end of life, as planned parenthood is to the beginning. Despite being assured that the program was only In the profile development phase, Dr. Karson soon has reason to suspect that some Patients were turning up as victims of tragic accidents. Like a gemologist, who appraises the quality of precious stones, Dr. Karson considered himself an expert in appraising the quality of his fellowman’s reality. But soon, he began to question the quality of his own reality. With trepidation, Dr. Karson finally admits that he is in a situation where the guardrail between right and wrong is absent. He has accepted a job that courted his expertise, but only needs and wants his credentials.