The difference between sympathy and Empathy

“So you realised you needed help with that Belfast incident” Andy asked “as did some of your mates from that unit?” Some had already suicided Tom comments. Motivated to try and stop this, Tom got himself a position as an Advocate Pension Officer at a State level of Queensland RSL in an effort to by pass the clique of sub-branch level. 6 days before Christmas Tom was sacked as his urgent attitude to deal with personal welfare crisis that came across his desk didn’t sit well with his bosses. Further more it didn’t fit their protracted welfare format.

When asked if that role helped in anyway toward healing? Tom replied that he did intend that at the outset but the opposite happened . I was as angry as hell he reply’s but I did learn a valuable lesson about empathy vs sympathy and explains the difference to the audience. However he also realised he was in the hallway of where he’d gotten out of and that he had to sort out his own shit. Real anger and drinking followed. The physical injuries had to sorted out as well he commented.

With regard to partners, Tom credits his wife with as much understanding as any professional and as far as he’s concerned perhaps better. A Veteran doesn’t always understand at the beginning that the partner is just not “coasting on the ride.” They are in boots and all and your balance on the bad days.

Nowadays woodworking is his interest to keep his mind challenged. If he’s told he can’t do it… he’ll just settle down to it and do it anyway Make mistakes? Sure but still he will do it! Toms done a lot of restoration work in the Disability space and he discusses that with fondness. Loves the work and the people he says and why that is so.

Although on a military pension he sets rules for his day and works in with his wife, who is now the breadwinner. Ego aside he is not one to dwell on things and is happy to connect with other Vets and first responders at outside events such as the one where he met Andy.

Tom has branched out in more creative work including graphic art to mix it up so it’s not boring and mundane during his day.

Contact - Tom Kerwin
Mindfulness Hobby - Woodworking master craftsman (Toowoomba)

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S02E11 - Tom Kerwin (2/4 RAR) - Part 2 33:49 Share

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S02E11 - Tom Kerwin (2/4 RAR) - Part 2