A lesson I learned over 30 years ago still rings true today. We need to belong. We need a tribe. We need others to help us get through the hard things in life. We were not meant to struggle alone. High School is hard. Belonging to a tribe helps us to navigate through, not only … Continue reading Forming a Tribe
Bethioua and the Ugly American
When I was 18 years old I spent the second of two summers in Bethioua, Algeria with my parents. The first summer I enjoyed immensely, but my newly found independence (being 18 and all) coupled with my false sense of entitlement contributed to the disaster that was my second summer. In Bethioua, my parents lived … Continue reading Bethioua and the Ugly American
The Parable
Becoming a social worker was not the plan I had for my life. As I have often said, I backed into the career totally blind to the mission of Child Welfare. I might not have ever found my calling had not DHS been the only agency hiring. Graduating college as an English major, my choices … Continue reading The Parable
I have a Story to Tell: Daniel
* I am starting a series of stories crafted through the eyes of people with whom I have met over the last 30 years in Social Work. The purpose of these posts are to highlight the difference a good social worker can make in the lives of others and to remind them (when they are … Continue reading I have a Story to Tell: Daniel
Finding your courage
What are you afraid of? What are your nightmares made of? I have the normal garden variety fears...snakes, spiders, tornados...King Kong (Dont judge me, he was very scary!). But one of my biggest fears involves an insect. The giant grasshopper. I remember one summer vividly, the horrifying images etched into my brain. My family had … Continue reading Finding your courage
Surviving the Tornado
The Tornado Hits Moody, Al. It was April 27, 2011. The meteorologists had been predicting an afternoon full of dangerous weather. We were repeatedly warned of a significant tornado outbreak. Having never been a fan of bad weather, I decided to monitor the situation very closely starting at noon. So as I went to bed … Continue reading Surviving the Tornado
READY…AIM…FIRE!
I am not a hunter. I do, however, have a vivid memory of my dad taking me with him into the woods to hunt one day. Now, anyone who knew my dad is scratching his/her head now because my dad also wasn't a hunter. He tried his hand at hunting a few times..after all we … Continue reading READY…AIM…FIRE!
He ain’t Heavy…
The road is long With many a winding turn That leads us to where who knows where? But I'm strong Strong enough to carry Carry him He aint heavy He's my brother. Bobby Scott and Bob Russell I am going to date myself, but when I was a young girl, I heard this ballad covered … Continue reading He ain’t Heavy…
Fear of Flying
As I write this post, I am sitting in my hotel in Washington DC, preparing to check out after a fantastic mind opening conference by the National Council of Behavioral Health. I am so grateful for the opportunity to hear great speakers and to participate in collaborative workshops that fed my hunger for ideas and … Continue reading Fear of Flying
The Extra Mile
Neveah was 5 years old. Her life was chaotic and tumultuous. Her 25 year old mother was addicted to drugs. Her 26 year old father decided he was too young for fatherhood and left when she was born. Mom waittressed at a restaurant and "did hair" on the side. They moved from apartment to apartment … Continue reading The Extra Mile
Water for Camels 