The Dragon Beside Me

In the Year of the Dragon 2024, amidst celebrations of International Women's Day, I find my thoughts invariably drifting to a woman not widely known in the public domain, yet whose impact on my life mirrors the mythical dragon's strength, love, and determination. Dr. Eleni Theodorou, a beacon of resilience and wisdom, embodies the very essence of a dragon—fierce in her pursuit of healing, cloaked in the enigmatic magic of compassion. Her story, unlike the famed legends of Maya Angelou or Malala Yousafzai, remains largely untold, but it's a narrative that has inspired me deeply.

Eleni's journey began in the rugged terrains of a war-torn region, where the daily symphony of life was often interrupted by the cacophony of strife and despair. Born to a modest family, she witnessed from a young age the dire consequences of conflict—not only the physical wounds but also the deep psychological scars it inflicted upon her community. It was in these early years, amidst the turmoil, that Eleni's dragon—her indomitable spirit—first took flight.

She often shared with me, in moments of reflective tranquility, how the hardships she witnessed fueled her determination to embark on a path of healing. "Every great dream begins with a dreamer," she would quote Harriet Tubman, her eyes alight with the fire of someone who has not only dreamed but has chased those dreams with relentless passion. Eleni's dream was to become a doctor, a beacon of hope in the darkness that had enveloped her early life.

Pursuing medicine with a fervor that belied her gentle demeanor, Eleni's journey was fraught with challenges. Financial constraints, societal expectations, and the remnants of a conflict-ridden past were but a few of the hurdles she faced. Yet, like a tea bag steeped in hot water, her strength became more apparent under adversity. Eleanor Roosevelt's words, "A woman is like a tea bag - you can't tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water," resonated deeply with Eleni, becoming a mantra that propelled her forward.

Her resilience paid off. Dr. Eleni Theodorou emerged not just as a medical professional, but as a pioneer in trauma therapy, specializing in helping those whose lives had been shattered by conflict rebuild from the ashes of their past. It was during this phase of her career that our paths crossed, and I came to know the dragon beside me.

In the darkest period of my life, grappling with the loss and despair left in the aftermath of violence, it was Dr. Eleni who reached out a hand to pull me from the depths. Her approach to healing was unlike any I had encountered; it was infused with a profound empathy and understanding, a testament to her own experiences. Maya Angelou's wisdom, "I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel," was embodied in every aspect of Eleni's care.

As I navigated the tumultuous journey of healing, Dr. Eleni was the unwavering dragon beside me, her strength and determination a constant source of inspiration. Yet, it was her capacity for love, her ability to empathize deeply with the suffering of others, that truly set her apart. In a world often marked by indifference, she reminded me of the power of compassion, of the magic dust that can transform lives.

In this Year of the Dragon, as we celebrate the women who have inspired us, I pay homage to Dr. Eleni Theodorou, a phoenix rising from the ashes of her own challenges to light the way for others. Her story, a testament to the strength, love, and determination that defines the most impactful women in our lives, continues to inspire me. In her, I have seen the embodiment of the dragon's spirit—a symbol of hope, healing, and the transformative power of human empathy.