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mar's Desk

​This multi-topic blog publishes weekly on Wednesdays.
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marcoujor: Happy Veterans' Day!

11/11/2013

28 Comments

 
Picturemarcoujor
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?"

Rose Kennedy
PictureClick the cover to get it from amazon.com
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.

Reply
marcoujor link
11/11/2013 10:30:49 am

And I can imagine you smiling broadly at our duet, dear Mike.

Thank you for stopping by and a very Happy Veteran's Day to you.
Your comments are always a treat.

Reply
Gail Sobotkin link
11/11/2013 11:55:41 am

Hi Maria,
Once again you have touched my heart and reminded me why we are all working so hard on the Mysterious & Miraculous book series--for veterans like Joyce who have sacrificed so much for our country and our own well being.
Like Mike wrote, I, too, could imagine the sweetness of the duet, and can tell you that if I ever needed a psych nurse I would want her to be just like you--sensitive, kind, intuitive, caring, and willing to do whatever it takes to help your patients!
God Bless You my Sweet Friend. The world is, indeed, a better place because you're in it.
Hugs & Love,
Gail

Reply
marcoujor link
11/11/2013 02:10:40 pm

Oh sweet Gail,
Thank you for your comment, which is as beautiful as you. I am thrilled to work with you in this labor of love. Hugs, Maria

Reply
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.

Reply
marcoujor link
11/11/2013 02:12:20 pm

Thank you, dear Kimmie. I totally and thoroughly agree with you.
Have a peaceful night. With love, Maria

Reply
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.

Reply
marcoujor link
11/11/2013 02:13:58 pm

Dear Susan,
So lovely to see you and I appreciate your compassionate and kind remarks. Hugs, Maria

Reply
Theresa Davis
11/11/2013 02:57:01 pm

Dear Maria,

I have no doubt that Joyce was placed in your life at the precise time she was place there, and that was by divine intervention. For He knew just who could reach and help this young beautiful woman and veteran, with your unique gifts of compassion, intuition and love you have for others. You are special, and I am blessed to know you and call you friend, just as all you know you and love you are as well. And now ... Joyce. My heart is overjoyed that this second book's proceeds will go to help homeless veterans! God bless you and much love you to you always,

Theresa

Reply
www.marcoujor.com link
11/12/2013 01:07:35 am

Dear Theresa,
You have been such a staunch supporter of our work with Mysterious and Miraculous project and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
I know Veteran's Day was filled with reminders of your dear Momma and you were in my thoughts. I know our parents are proud of us.
Love, Maria

Reply
Shauna L Bowling link
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?

Your dedication to Mankind and our veterans specifically is inspiring. No matter what you have going on in your life, you have time for others. You're a true gem, Maria!

Reply
marcoujor link
11/12/2013 04:35:05 am

Dear Sha,

I tend to be informed of "sad events" by former co-workers so I will guess that Joyce has had some ups and downs over the couple years since I have seen her. I clearly recognized her inner goodness, strength and resiliency so my heart tells me she will be OK. After all, she is a Soldier of Love and we can sorta relate...first and foremost, loving ourselves to keep on trucking.

Speaking of gems, you are a shiny, positive and inspirational force in my life...and I thank you, girlfriend.

Reply
Shauna L Bowling
11/12/2013 04:47:38 am

I love you, too Maria. You just made my day! :-)

marcoujor link
11/12/2013 06:37:42 am

That makes me happy, sweet Sha!

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.

Reply
marcoujor link
11/12/2013 04:29:51 am

Dear Linda,

The more I learn about you, the more I love you. You are a compassionate soul and a gifted writer. I am delighted that you are contributing your beautiful story to Book II.

And yes, I believe that people are placed in our lives for a purpose. I have learned so many life lessons and kernels of wisdom from my patients over the years.

Thank you for taking the time to stop by. Hugs, Maria

Reply
Martie Coetser link
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.

Mar, you just have 'it' - that special quality one needs to get the cooperation needed for a plan to work :)

Reply
marcoujor link
11/12/2013 04:25:39 am

How can you have me crying and laughing in the same breath, you dear Sista of mine.

You are right about the sadness, the somber nature of this day of remembrance of our Veterans. I think of Dusty and can tear up on the spot.

Now, young lady, you may be onto something about that "it" as a whole bunch of people have told me I am "full of it." Please be good to yourself and remember how much I love you, Maria

Reply
Linda Rogers link
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.
I am so excited about book ll coming out in December. Woo Hoo! What a great Christmas this is gonna be. I plan on buying many copies for family and friends.Thanks for your contributions and hard work on this amazing book. I'm like a little kid who is having a hard time waiting for it to come out. People love true stories of miracles and mysterious happenings and how perfect for a Christmas gift. Have a great day Maria :-)

Reply
marcoujor link
11/12/2013 06:36:15 am

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.

I also plan to gift many copies for Christmas and I thank you for doing the same. Thank you for stopping back and have a great day.

Reply
paula jamison link
11/12/2013 11:29:14 am

"MARIA"......a magical, mystical, majestic MARVEL.......that's what you are......

Reply
marcoujor link
11/12/2013 01:22:58 pm

Pleased as punch for your presence on this post, you sweet thang!

Reply
leslie link
11/13/2013 03:50:48 am

Maria..your heart is as big as Oklahoma..(i think that's the state, yes?)..lol
Joyce sounds like an awesome woman. I'm not surprised how quickly she learned to trust you!
I can sure empathize with how she works every day to balance herself....to get thru it...
to be...normal..sigh..
love your writing! It just draws the reader in and doesn't let go!
Hugsxx

Reply
marcoujor link
11/16/2013 01:16:36 pm

Dear Leslie,
What a very sweet comment! Thank your much and yes, that would give me a pretty big heart by your description ( LOL)...!
Hope you are well and TTYS. Hugs to you too, Maria

Reply
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.

Reply
marcoujor link
11/16/2013 01:13:24 pm

Dear Vicki,
It is never too late to stop by and you never need to apologize...always great to see you.

Hope you are having a peaceful weekend and are able to catch your breath a bit. Love you and thank you for your kind remarks and friendship, Maria

Reply
Linda Rogers link
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.

Reply
marcoujor link
12/2/2013 12:55:46 pm

Dear Linda,
So lovely to see you. I thank you for the visit and for your beautiful contribution to Volume Two. Hope all is well and you are having a peaceful holiday season. Hugs, Maria

Reply



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    Marcoujor

    Welcome to my desk...

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    mar  



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    • marcoujor on Hubpages
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