Snap Judgment: "The Medicine Man - Snap Classic"
Release Date: February 20, 2025
Host: Glenn Washington, Snap Judgment and PRX
Overview
In the "The Medicine Man - Snap Classic" episode, Chris Lundy delves into a haunting childhood mystery that intertwines family secrets, cultural heritage, and the elusive quest for answers. Battling a severe, unexplained illness as a child, Chris's journey unfolds as he seeks to understand what truly happened during a pivotal moment in his youth.
Childhood Crisis: A Mysterious Illness
At the heart of the story is Chris Lundy's experience at age 10. In the summer of 1989, while living in Maryland, Chris began suffering from an intense, daily cough accompanied by excruciating chest pain and coughing up blood. Traditional medical examinations failed to diagnose his condition, leaving both Chris and his family desperate for answers.
Chris Lundy [06:12]: "I was 10 years old. I was almost 11. I was living in Maryland with my mom and my older sister. The year was 1989."
Despite ongoing medical visits, the cause of his symptoms remained elusive, compelling his mother to seek alternative solutions.
Turning to Voodoo: Seeking Alternative Healing
Unable to find a medical explanation, Chris's mother decided to take him to New York, where family members practiced voodoo. In New York, Chris and his family met a voodoo priest who claimed to have special healing abilities.
Chris Lundy [09:01]: "He said, what question do you have for me? And I asked him, how'd you get your powers?"
The priest provided Chris with an amber vial containing a mysterious liquid, instructing him to place a drop on his tongue whenever the cough returned. Skeptical yet hopeful, Chris followed the instructions and found immediate relief.
Chris Lundy [09:56]: "I found the vial and I put a drop on my tongue. And the coughing sensation goes away."
However, the relief was not without its challenges. A subsequent use of the potion resulted in intense pain, leading Chris to question the efficacy and safety of the treatment.
Chris Lundy [10:21]: "It went away."
This dichotomy between miraculous relief and severe pain left Chris grappling with his belief in the voodoo remedy.
The Quest for Answers: Bridging Medicine and Voodoo
As an adult in his 40s, Chris seeks to uncover the truth behind his childhood illness. His investigation reveals a fractured family dynamic and a reluctance to discuss voodoo practices openly. Efforts to connect with family members, including his Aunt Milei, yield little information, deepening the mystery.
Chris Lundy [12:18]: "There's this conflict of intellect and life experience..."
Frustrated by the lack of recollection and transparency, Chris turns to medical experts to understand his past condition. Dr. Chris Becker, a pulmonary and critical care doctor, suggests that Chris may have suffered from arteriovenous malformations—a rare condition that could explain spontaneous bleeding in the lungs. However, the spontaneous resolution of his symptoms remains puzzling.
Dr. Chris Becker [16:21]: "Hemoptysis, or coughing up blood is very distressing. We usually take this situation very seriously."
Despite expert opinions, the questions about his healing remain unanswered, prompting Chris to explore his cultural roots further.
Reconnecting with Heritage: Meeting Mambo Florence
In his search for closure, Chris meets Mambo Florence, an ordained voodoo priestess in Queens. The encounter rekindles memories of his childhood experience, as Mambo Florence conducts rituals reminiscent of those Chris endured as a child.
Chris Lundy [20:20]: "And one thing that really took me was how familiar it felt. It was very similar to the room that I was in back when I was 10 years old."
Through these sessions, Chris gains a deeper appreciation for his Haitian heritage and the role of voodoo in his family's resilience and survival.
Dr. Charlene Desear [24:04]: "Vodou is more than a religion. It's a system, a way of life and understanding."
Confronting Family Secrets: The Unanswered Questions
Returning home, Chris attempts to confront his Aunt Milei to finally unlock the secrets of his past. Accompanied by his cousin Gabby, he broaches the subject of his illness and the voodoo intervention. Unfortunately, Aunt Milei denies any recollection of the voodoo practices, leaving Chris feeling betrayed and without the closure he desperately seeks.
Chris Lundy [28:32]: "We were there. My mother, Auntie Maya and Auntie Esther, Auntie Annette, all in the room."
Aunt Milei [29:19]: "I don't remember."
This lack of acknowledgment underscores the cultural stigmas and familial fractures that have long concealed the truth.
Embracing the Mystery: Acceptance and Understanding
Ultimately, Chris arrives at a place of acceptance regarding his unresolved past. While he may never fully understand how he overcame his illness, he finds peace in acknowledging the strength and love that his family and cultural heritage provided.
Chris Lundy [31:46]: "I have to get my questions answered. And my aunt's the only one who truly can."
Chris Lundy [31:44]: "And as far as how Chris got better, I am more comfortable sitting with the mystery of it. I'm never gonna know why I got better."
This resolution highlights the enduring power of family bonds and cultural identity, even in the face of unanswered questions.
Reflections on Heritage and Family
Chris's journey not only seeks to uncover the medical mystery of his childhood but also serves as a poignant exploration of his Haitian roots and the complex interplay between traditional practices and Western medicine. Through this introspective voyage, he honors his mother's determination and the cultural legacy that continues to shape his identity.
Chris Lundy [27:20]: "Something that Dr. De Sere gave me, that I walked away with was this pride... being proud of the Haitian culture and where voodoo fits and where it came from."
Conclusion
"The Medicine Man - Snap Classic" masterfully intertwines personal narrative with cultural exploration, offering listeners a profound look into Chris Lundy's quest for truth and understanding. By navigating the delicate balance between skepticism and belief, Chris's story underscores the enduring impact of family, heritage, and the human spirit in overcoming life's most perplexing challenges.