It was a scorcher of a day, deep in the heart of the South. I was walking along the River Walk in New Orleans, Louisiana. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a very bright sign, bathed in rainbow colors. As I turned to investigate the loud image, two words called out my … Continue reading Brain Freeze
Plant Where They Will Bloom
It is well know around my circles that I have a brown thumb. Not only can I not sustain the life of complex flowers and plants, but I can even kill those "hard to kill" varieties. I read the literature and buy the products to no avail. The outcome is the same. But I keep … Continue reading Plant Where They Will Bloom
If It Ain’t Broke…
Charlie moved into his first foster home at the age of five. His mother, diagnosed with schizophrenia, had told her friends that God sent her a message to kill Charlie as an act of Abraham-like faith. The friend called child protective services and Charlie came into care so his mother could get the inpatient treatment … Continue reading If It Ain’t Broke…
Children in the Shadow of Addiction
reblogged from the site: Things I have seen. Winndixiechina.wordpress.com Children in the Shadow of Addiction Sunlight assaulting. Piercing the curtainless window with its accusing spotlight Screaming Guilty! Guilty! Guilty! She lets out a cry, wounded, sheep-like, and looks away her pupils as large as saucers. Saucers with tiny pink roses once laid out on the … Continue reading Children in the Shadow of Addiction
When You Are Just So Tired
Tristan was a Special Education teacher in rural Mississippi. He got into the field with a passion for working with special needs children, helping them to reach their full potential. He loved teaching these children, loving each one for their individuality and their unique challenge. However, dealing daily with the politics in education drained him. … Continue reading When You Are Just So Tired
Silver and Gold have I None
What do Social Workers make? There is, in circulation, an article about all the good things social workers do for others : protect children and vulnerable adults; provide means for an impoverished family to have food and basic necessities; comfort the grieving; find treatment for the hurting and on and on and on. The article … Continue reading Silver and Gold have I None
But what can I do?
Most social workers know the analogy of the old man and the starfish. As the story goes: a young woman, jogging along the sea shore, stopped when she came across a strange scene. The beach, she observed, was covered with starfish, having been thrust upon the sand by violent waves. Unable to live outside of … Continue reading But what can I do?
FOSTER CHILD
After the painThe tearsThe cries for mommaYou lie in a strange bedIn a strange roomIn a strange houseWith strangers.Your mind reaches out for truthDesperately clawing at memories pastSeeking the answer to your only questionWhat did I Do?You were ripped from your mother's armAs you screamed out her nameThe echoes still reverberatingIn your heart.She didn't respondReach … Continue reading FOSTER CHILD
Resiliency!
Driving to work yesterday, I listened (as is my habit) to the local Contemporary Christian radio station. A song began playing that I had heard many times...but never really paid heed to the words. That day they struck a chord. You're a good good father it's who you are And I'm loved by you It's … Continue reading Resiliency!
Water for Camels 