Posted by Penny on February 13, 2004, at 20:38:50
My cousin, M, called me this morning to let me know that she was in town (she lives about 2.5 hours away) b/c her 11-year-old son is in the psych ward child unit at the hospital at the university where I work. This is the kid's 4th hospitalization in 3 years. But I'm glad if he's anywhere, he's at the hospital here, b/c the other ones he's been in have shown me nothing positive.
Anyway, I went to see him this evening, and the poor kid is soooo angry with the world. And I was pleased with the nursing staff there - they seemed genuinely caring and good natured. And knowledgeable. I talked to one of the nurses for a good while before I left - my cousin M had gone back home earlier today b/c she had to work tonight, and she won't be back until next week sometime - so I was able to have a private conversation with the nurse. I told her that M has so many problems, many of them resulting from a tumultuous childhood, and now her children are suffering, but she doesn't think she has a problem and, therefore, doesn't think she needs help. And when I say problems, I mean lots of problems. Part of me feels sad for her, b/c I remember some of the s**t that happened to her growing up, but part of me thinks, ya' know, she's 30 years old, twice married, two kids, and it's time for her to start trying to get her act together. No, it's not gonna be an overnight fix. And it may not be a fix at all. But at least she would be *doing something* to help herself, instead of just falling deeper and deeper into a black hole and dragging the kids with her.
M told me this morning when she called that someone reported her to Social Services. Wasn't me, though I've thought about it. But last time they were involved, it didn't do any good anyway, so what's the point?
So, I'm going back to see M's son tomorrow, and the next day and the next, and every day (hopefully) until he's discharged. Which likely won't be anytime soon.
:-(
P
poster:Penny
thread:313011
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20040209/msgs/313011.html