old school

Song lyrics from "Delta Dawn" are repeating in my head. Too early to turn music on. The judge's voice from People's Court is talking loudly. I'm pushing that voice out.

Yesterday at the grocery store, I ran into a former state worker that took care of me in 1980's. I was nice to see her. We talked about the "the hill" and how it has changed.

She worked there for 38 years. She was saying that, now it's like a "country club." The patients have no drive to get out and stay out. She said that everything is provided for them...meals, meds, shelter.

When I was there in the 1980's it was hard. They (the staff) were gruff, but they got the point across. Either you got up and helped yourself or you became a "lifer."

I don't know exactly how it is there. From what I've seen in my gigs it is a "country club." It breaks my heart to say that. I cannot go into details because of confidentiality laws. I will say, from what little I've seen, I'm saddened. Where is the motivation to get help?

This bugs me. I'm torn. I want to give the patients an example of how they can go out and and make it. But if they aren't driven, then they will be "lifers."

I realize I cannot save all the starfish. I am still gonna try. I cannot and will not give up on those people. People didn't give up on me. Country Club or not I believe that each and everyone of those patients has a chance at life "outside the locked doors."