Susan Gabriel

It’s not quite like running a marathon.

But sometimes, 57-year-old Susan Gabriel feels like she’s in the

shoes of a long-distance runner -- out of breath and yearning for a

glimpse of that finish line. The longtime Costa Mesa resident

volunteers with Trauma Intervention Program, a national nonprofit

organization that offers emotional support to those traumatized by a

tragedy.

Gabriel is on call 36 hours a month during which she could be

paged to a crisis situation in the area. She could be asked to go to

any type of incident ranging from suicides and domestic violence

cases to car accidents and fires.

“The job is a big, emotional workout,” she said. “There are shifts

when I have to go to a suicide and a car accident. On those days,

when I come back home and still have several hours to go, I just say:

‘Dear God, I hope I don’t get another call today.’”

That doesn’t mean Gabriel does not derive immense satisfaction as

a volunteer for the program. She says she has given her time to

several organizations, but this has been the most fulfilling.

“You’re helping people at their lowest moment,” she said.

But the victims don’t know her and she is with them only until

they cope with the initial shock and distress. Then, she never sees

them again.

“But I don’t need their thank you,” Gabriel said. “I know in my

heart that I have helped them cope with something, that I’ve given

them a gift. And I walk out of their life just like I walked into

it.”

She also helps those who deal with “natural deaths” as opposed to

a murder or suicide.

“No death is easy to face,” she said. “But when the death is from

natural causes, it is so much easier for people to cope and get in

touch with their inner strengths.”

Gabriel has been a volunteer with the program for two years. All

volunteers go through 55 hours of training that includes lectures,

presentations and several role-playing exercises.

The biggest challenge she has faced is when she comes across

incidents that hit too close to home.

“There are times when I feel ‘That could’ve been me,’” she said.

“There are other times when a call reminds me of my own life.”

You learn to put your issues aside but know in your heart that you

have to revisit them, Gabriel said. Volunteers also attend debriefing

sessions when they talk to each other and deal with emotional calls.

But in the end, it’s all worth it, she says.

“I see myself doing this for years to come,” Gabriel said. “It

gives meaning and purpose to my own life.”

-- Story by Deepa Bharath,

Photos by Kent Treptow