Beth and Michael Barns, brand new foster parents, were excited when their first child, Brad was placed with them. They knew his basic story. They knew he had been hurt. They knew he had been removed from his family. He was shy at first, but polite and obedient... In the beginning. They decided that they … Continue reading The Pain Doesn’t Stop When The Abuse Ends.
Waiting for the Rain to end
For the past two weeks, the heavens have fractured, spilling forth a deluge of rain. Like a faulty spigot, some days the water gushed torrentially and other days the water slowed to a steady dripping. The temperature, as if confused like the rest of us, rose and dropped randomly according to its whim. But the … Continue reading Waiting for the Rain to end
Packing Light
As a social worker, I attend several conferences a year. Bowing to an underlying fear of not having the right outfit, I used to grossly over-pack.. For example, if I were attending a two day conference, my suitcase would likely contain: Dresses for 2 days; Pants for 2 days in case It rained or was … Continue reading Packing Light
The Sins of the Father
Why do people hurt the ones they love? After 31 years in the Human Services field, I am no closer to the answer than I was when I started. The speculation differs from person to person based on the narrative in their head. From working in both Mississippi and Alabama, I have heard all of … Continue reading The Sins of the Father
One Starfish at a Time
Beverly was only hours old when her mother plodded into the emergency room: sick, tired and covered in sweat. Like a cobbled horse, she limped towards the triage nurse whose eyes were focused on the clipboard in her hands. "Please" The whisper, fierce with pain, caught the nurse's attention. Nurse Anna put down the clipboard … Continue reading One Starfish at a Time
I have a story to tell: Alexis
My name is Alexis. I am a social worker. Being a social worker, sometimes you see things, hear things and learn things that cant be unseen, unheard or unlearned. Those things remain with you, fading over time but linger barely imperceptibly in your mind like a wisp of smoke or the fragment of a disturbing … Continue reading I have a story to tell: Alexis
Forming a Tribe
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
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
And also the Others
May is National Foster Month. Designated such by President Reagan in 1988 to bring awareness to the needs of children in foster care. Children who were unable to live safely with their parents necessitating their entry into a broken foster care system. Foster Children often enter care with scars; some are physical, some are emotional … Continue reading And also the Others
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
Water for Camels 