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…
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?
The Least of These
Late one day, at the end of the week, I stood looking out at the city of Birminham through the windows of my 11th floor office. The view was amazing as darkness descended and thousands of lights gave the appearance of a magical world filled with excitement and promise. For someone. Not me. I, however, … Continue reading The Least of These
Find an Outlet and Plug In
We use electricity daily without thinking. We always take it for granted...until a storm comes and knocks out the power. Then we groan and moan because we realize how much we depend upon electricity to illuminate and simplify our lives. The simple truth is especially evident with the introduction of cell phones, lap tops and … Continue reading Find an Outlet and Plug In
How to Survive a Bad Boss
I started working when I was 15 years old. My first job was McDonald's. I liked the idea of earning extra money, and I didn't mind the work. But my boss was a perpetually angry man whose rants and insults drove many employees, including me to seek employment elsewhere. I mean, who could work for … Continue reading How to Survive a Bad Boss
My Christmas Wish
Sitting on my mother's patio, in the early morning as spears of golden light form bands of simmering art on the concrete, I relish my time alone. The others are sleeping after a frantic round of Christmas gatherings. So much food, presents and general mirth, Christmas has yet to arrive and we are tired. As … Continue reading My Christmas Wish
Miles to Go Before I Sleep
The woods are lovely dark and deep But I have promises to keep And miles to go before I sleep And miles to go before I sleep. Robert Frost We had a snow storm way down here in the deep south. We were expecting just a dusting, so we put on our heavy coats and … Continue reading Miles to Go Before I Sleep
Water for Camels 