![]() Working with the homeless population in Philadelphia PA was a most enlightening and enriching experience. I met some remarkable individuals who touched my heart and taught me some valuable life lessons. I would like to tell you a little bit about Joyce (name changed for confidentiality.) When I met Joyce, she was 28 years of age and her history was heartbreaking. However, due to active psychosis and unwillingness to accept psychotropic medication for stabilization, the team was understandably frightened of her volatile, assaultive behavior. With a childhood rife with physical and sexual abuse, Joyce was fiercely distrustful of people in general, especially men. Her family system was dysfunctional, as her Mother was frequently incarcerated for drug-related issues. Joyce had somehow kept it together marginally through her childhood years, joining the military, right out of high school to escape a nightmare. She actually discovered another as she had her first of many psychotic breaks, witnessing the death of her friend, a shooting. Hearing these details in report, I could feel my mind wandering... I wondered how I would deal with this client. While the circumstances were different, the events mirrored an experience, where I helplessly watched a friend die. I could not understand psychosis, but I could understand her anger. I had lived it. I wanted to help her. As nurses, there is a paradox where distance and holding close both have distinct advantages. This was how I chose to handle my care with Joyce, very, very slowly... I am comfortable with appropriate humor and the infusion of music as therapeutic strategies. I can take the looks I get from co-workers! My attitude is, whatever works! Joyce came to the office with a hairdo that reminded me of my current soundtrack at the time: Sade's 'Soldier of Love' . Well, I started belting it out, and before you knew it, Joyce started grinning and joined right in, as she loved Sade too! The entire office paused to listen and clapped-- so cool! It wasn't too long before Joyce accepted a 2-week injection from me of Risperidal Consta. This is a long acting psychotropic medicine that really helped even out her mood. The change in her behavior was dramatic and she looked happier. She said she felt better, even though the shots themselves always scared her. Joyce looked like a little girl when I gave her these injections. She had to close her eyes 'real tight' and together we would sing a song. I would let her pick! After several months, vocational services worked with Joyce. She practiced her job interviewing skills, including what to wear to a job interview. I gave her a pair of good luck earrings for her interviews. She did get hired part time at a small restaurant as a hostess, where she is very sweet to the customers. Realistically, life will always be challenging for Joyce in some areas. I believe this is true for us all though. Joyce taught me to keep fighting for what you want! It's worth it... Joyce, this dedicated to you. Thank you for teaching me that it is good to keep singing through the storms of life. We can get through our storms together. "Birds sing after a storm; why shouldn't people feel as free to delight in whatever remains to them?" ![]() Working in the community with Joyce and many other remarkable people who were also Veterans, has left an eternal imprint on my heart. When my friend Angelia Phillips (femmeflashpointt) asked me to help in the Mysterious and Miraculous project, there was no hesitation in my response. We share many of the same passions, including our love of Veterans and our despair with the homelessness situation in our country. I hope you have had an opportunity to check out Volume I, published last month and containing 15 unique and powerful real - life stories of the paranormal and supernatural. Available through Amazon, you will be richer, in fact, for having purchased. The book is a mere $4.99. 70% of the monies earned through sales will be directly donated to the K9s for Wounded Warriors Program. The remaining 30% will be used to eventually get some hard copies printed, as some readers will always love the feel of a book in their hands. Angelia and I work with a team of altruistic angels, including the talents and time of Mike Friedman (mckbirdbks); Gail Sobotkin (Happyboomernurse) and Vicki Warner (Grief Can Heal). Other Legacy Scribes, including Shauna Bowling (bravewarrior); Pamela Oglesby (Pamela99) and Theresa Davis (Faith Reaper) have shared stories for Volume I and / or Volume II... Oh yeah, there is a Volume II...how cool is that?! And in this collection of stories, 70% of the profits will be donated to the Support Homeless Veterans organization. This e-book is scheduled to be published in early December. I cannot think of a better holiday gift for you and those you love. Please check out the Legacy Archives Foundation website. We give fabulous updates on our progress, creative marketing strategies, even monthly sales' reports. Hoping you will consider sharing your story with us, if you haven't already. We are thrilled to keep our series going into next year. In the meantime, have a wonderful Veteran's Day. To quote a very dear femme, " ... please don't forget to thank a Veteran today!" Peace and hugs, mar
28 Comments
Mike
11/11/2013 09:47:32 am
This article just goes to show there are lessons to be learned each and every day. Even the reminder of the size and shape of veterans. 'Joyce' was lucky to run across you and I can imagine the singing duet.
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11/11/2013 11:55:41 am
Hi Maria,
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Kimmie
11/11/2013 12:15:51 pm
Dearest Maria this truly touched my heart and I do understand the importance of love and care to this population of brave, wonderful souls...The donations from this wonderful book can help many vets and there is not one that should go unnoticed. I am so honored to know all of you. Love and hugs.
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Susan Sproull
11/11/2013 12:34:53 pm
Maria this is such a beautiful tribute to Joyce. Bless you for your kind heart by helping those like Joyce.
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Theresa Davis
11/11/2013 02:57:01 pm
Dear Maria,
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11/12/2013 01:07:35 am
Dear Theresa,
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11/12/2013 02:37:50 am
Maria, Joyce's story is so touching. It is proof positive that one person can make a difference. I'd love to hear more of her story. Is she still working? Are you still in touch with her? What's going on in life?
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Dear Sha,
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Shauna L Bowling
11/12/2013 04:47:38 am
I love you, too Maria. You just made my day! :-)
Linda Rogers
11/12/2013 03:36:17 am
Wow Maria-this powerful story gave me goosebumps. Isn't it beautiful how certain things can connect us to people. I just love that you started belting out the Sade song. I pray for Joyce that her life can have some peace. I am glad the two of you met-you were both meant to be in each other's lives at that time.Thanks for sharing such a touching story.
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Dear Linda,
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11/12/2013 04:13:21 am
This Veteran-Day makes me so sad. So many had sacrificed their life or health and even happiness for country and nation just to realize at the end that it was all in vain, or for the wrong reasons.
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How can you have me crying and laughing in the same breath, you dear Sista of mine.
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11/12/2013 05:01:00 am
Aww-You warmed my heart right through with that sweet comment. If I may say so, I believe we are kindred spirits and very similar in our beliefs and personalities.
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You may absolutely say that we are kindred spirits, dear Linda. I think that is a beautiful compliment coming from a cool and compassionate lady like you.
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11/12/2013 11:29:14 am
"MARIA"......a magical, mystical, majestic MARVEL.......that's what you are......
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Maria..your heart is as big as Oklahoma..(i think that's the state, yes?)..lol
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Vicki
11/15/2013 06:23:44 am
Dear Maria, what a lovely story, and what a beautiful ending! Sorry to be so late for the party. Just catching up with everyone now, after a busy time. I know you understand. Hope those little learner nurses of yours understand how fortunate they are to have you in their lives. You are the maestro of learning and understanding - oh, and of writing too. Add my love to everyone else's! Beautiful work, sweet friend.
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12/2/2013 10:13:28 am
Woo Hoo Maria! I just got word that M&M Book II is ready and available. Laura and I are so excited over here. What perfect timing for the holidays. I can't think of a better gift for friends and family than an inspirational book like M&M. God bless you for all you've done to contribute to this book series. Happy Holidays to you and your family. M&M Scribe, Book II. Linda aka Minnetonka Twin on HubPages.
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