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
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
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
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
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…
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
Martha Got a Bad Rap!
Setting up for a large event, there was still some last minute preparation needed before the participants arrived. As I looked over the room, I noticed two staff members. They held the same rank and had the same years of experience. And both were excellent leaders. But at that moment, there existed a very different … Continue reading Martha Got a Bad Rap!
The Less Traveled Road
When you were a child, did you dream of becoming a social worker? Ok, stop laughing. Most of us did not. Yet, here we are, protecting children, helping families and often to the very detriment of our own lives. We chose a path that was fraught with rocks, brambles and all manner of things that … Continue reading The Less Traveled Road
Water for Camels 