A thought for today

I attended a morning meeting at Housing First on West Fountain today.

Housing First, part of Riverwood Mental health, reaches out to the chronically homeless - doing whatever necessary to put a permanant roof over their heads.

As we went around the table introducing ourselves, Riverwood's clinical supervisor shared his name, title, and then a few words that left me refreshed.

He said,

"I work with people. Not bi-polars. Not schizos. I work with...people."

Ahhh. Living, breathing, heart-beating, metally aware, deliberating social beings. Not any lesser than you or I. As worthy and deserving of a leg up as the rest of us.

This idea is seemingly PC, but I think it's all too easy to subconciously fall into the "us" and "them" trap.

At the end of the day, I'm still going home to my warm bed. And my clients, the people I work with - my fellow humans - don't have that same advantage.

Lost In Woonsocket

Missing for years, two alcoholics are discovered living together in the back woods of Woonsocket, RI. A series of profound coincidences lead to miraculous reunions with their families and a chance at treatment, recovery and redemption. The real challenge, however, is yet to come: What happens when only one of the men is able to remain sober?

- Words from the Lost and Found in America crew

Last evening, about 60 folks filled the chairs at Praise Tabernacle in Cranston to watch a free screening of Lost In Woonsocket, previewed above. This film captures the recovery journies of two homeless men who, five years ago, lived in a tent amid empty vodka pints and 40's.

The local screening, part of a three month nationwide film tour called Lost and Found in America, was sponsored by the Rhode Island advocacy group Faith Infused Recovery Efforts (FIRE). Comprised of members from faith and recovery communities, FIRE represents over 25 organizations, including the Diocese, who share the mission to create a welcoming environment for individuals and their loved ones who are searching for recovery from alcohol and drug problems. Members work to reduce the stigma surrounding addiction in order to encourage people to seek the help they need and realize their full potential.

Last night's screening was one of FIRE's endeavors to “break the silence” about addiction and foster an environment where people feel comfortable - even safe - talking about their problems or the problems of those dear to them.

I had never seen the film before last night. After about two good cries - just 15 minutes in - I started tallying my teary moments. The final count equaled seven, but I'm sure there were others in the room who topped my total...people were sitting on the edges of their seats, embracing, reflecting...

I found the movie heart wrenching and inspiring - showing me that one man can find something outside himself to hope for, look towards. Normand Cartier was shown that someone cared enough to find him in the wintery cold of Blackstone Valley. He glimpsed the life he lost and for once realized that he might be able to piece together some of the broken peices that others helped him discover still existed.

We were lucky enough last night to be joined by two men from the film, Barbershop Joe and Norm Cartier, who answered questions after the screening ended. The crowd didn't know they were present, so the visit was certainly a pleasant surprise!

I sensed an overall warm feeling in the audience throughout the evening and it was obvious people left feeling inspired to do more for recovery in our small state.

Here's a picture of Barbershop Joe watching the film from the back of the room.

Powerful Humans: Battling Disappointment...

...with myself.

With human limitation.

It's simply impossible to be or do everything I want to, make everyone happy, fix everyone's hurt. I can hardly bandage my own wounds. And I find it increasingly difficult to be the person I want to be...on a moral level.

I claim to be a social warrior, as I'm sure you are as well, dear reader.

But often times the front lines take a toll on you.

Poverty...despair...sickness...regret...rear their ugly heads at us...the hopeful ones.

We must lift our chin and stare them in the eyes without fear and with the knowledge that if we try, if we care to enter the fire, it's better than running.

One heart is stronger than none, and all of our hearts...banded together...can do remarkable things.

We will win this battle.

On Freedom's Ground

by Richard Wilbur

Praise to this land for our power to change it,

To confess our misdoings, to mend what we can,

To learn what we mean and to make it the law,

To become what we said we were going to be.

Praise to our peoples, who came as strangers,

Who more and more have been shaped into one

Like a great statue brought over in pieces,

Its hammered copper bolted together,

Anchored by rods in the continent's rock,

With a core of iron, and a torch atop it.

Praise to this land that its most oppressed

Have marched in peace from the dark of the past

To speak in our time, and in Washington's shadow,

Their invincible hope to be free at last.

Stream of Conciousness: What should I do?

I drove the back roads home today. Took East Avenue.

As I rounded the bend, it was the second time I saw her.

I almost hit her. Her feet were in the road. She was leaning on the telephone pole.

Sleeping? Passed out. Drunk?

What will I do to help her?

The first time I saw her she was on the sidewalk. Sprawled out. Eyes shut and heart beating.

What's her story?

Should I pull over?

It's hard to know where to start or what to say.

I refuse to ignore my memories of this moment and I'm never going to forget her.

I must act. But will she hear me? Will she see me? Will she respond?

I hope there's a next time.

FIRE!

Faith Infused Recovery Efforts is exploring the interweb!

Check us out on facebook and become a fan.

Just created the page, so I'm the only one warming my hands by the flames. Come on over and jam with me. We'll eat some marshmellas and have a grand 'ole time.

Gracias amigos y amigas!

Powerful Humans

That's what we are.

You are strong, bold, unique, and undeniably important to the multiverse.

In the sea of galaxies, you are a bright, bright, brilliant light.

More reasons to love the Bucket...

So many special sights and sounds in this city.

Check out the fun toys I discovered while cruisin' the 02861!

A white tiger. Is he real, or is he dancer?

If you'll look closely, you'll eye Mr. Ed hiding his horsehair behind the bushes.

 

 

And when animal play time is over, take a ride in this go-cart!