Well hell ... what a past few weeks it has been.
I got a call on Thursday, Nov. 10 from the wife a very good friend of mine. Our children were in Indian Princess together. So, we have known each other for about 25 years. The day before, he went to his mom's house, saw his step nephew apparently trying to break into the house. Goes up to him. (The dude is 24 years old and is a body builder). A fight breaks out. A gunshot is heard by his wife. My friend slumps over. Shot in the head. The next morning, he is pulled off life support. Fortunately, a number of his organs were donated.
10 hours before, I had 2 doctor friends of mine send text messages to me asking if I had read the just released article from what they thought was a well-respected professional. This doctor opined that severe and enduring eating disorders could be terminal and those patients should be allowed to have physician assisted suicide. Good Lord. My daughter fought until her last breath.
Tuesday, March 15, my SO gets a text from a long time client of hers. His wife who was fighting cancer, apparently went to UT Southwestern for routine treatment. AS I understand it, an embolism developed and went to her brain. Although they got her heart started, the damage was done. On March 16, she was removed from life support.
The next day, March 17, I am standing up in St. Thomas Aquinas Church giving the eulogy for my dear friend. What do you say when their loss is so senseless? Fortunately, he had left a colorful history of his life on Facebook and in text messages to me. And sometimes, we are merely conduits for a greater message that those in such pain need.
The circle becomes full tomorrow. On March 24, i am being awarded the 2022 Ruth Sharp Altshuler Community Advocate Award by Mental Health America. When I look back on past recipients, it is like a "who's who" of mental health providers.And I have done nothing yet to deserve this. I really have no choice and am being directed to this work by forces I am not meant to understand.
The following day starts the real battle with a treatment center based in California and operating in St. Louis. Therapists supplying alcohol and illegal drugs to patients. Sexual contact with patients. Destruction of evidence. I currently represent 7 people who were hurt up there. 6 employees were fired. A multi-billion dollar private equity company owns them. They have one of the most powerful law firms representing them.
And what do I have? The passion from a child dying compelling me to continue on this path?
I don't know why i am writing this. Other than this is a good place to vent. No... more so than that. Despite all of the ass whippings on here. the amount of compassion and intelligence and understanding can be truly inspiring.
So, Gentlemen, go give your kids a big hug. Tell them you love them. Embrace life. Embrace love. Turn obstacles into opportunities.