short notes:
will brady's ruminations
will brady's ruminations
2007-02-09
notables
Molly Ivins was 62.
She died from complications due to cancer
1944 - 2007
I think that the writer over at Rude Pundit said it best.
GODDAMNIT!
"She said, often, that the sins of omission were the real crimes of contemporary journalism. Her columns so often filled that gap, talking about labor and working people and countries like the Congo and Indonesia. She refused in the last few years to get drawn into the false debate of "would you rather Saddam still be in power," turning that around to say that the left never wanted him in power in the first place.
She was goddamned smart, so smart she didn't have to flaunt it. So smart that she could use the down to earth side to say what she meant so all of us could understand it. She didn't suffer bullies. She loved Texas like a parent loves her child even after that child has gone on a three-state killing spree. She was unfailingly polite. And she could eviscerate anyone who was failing all of us with just an image or two. Those guttings will be desperately missed. That sense and celebration of the decency of the average American will be missed even more.
We've lost one of our defenders."
She died from complications due to cancer
1944 - 2007
I think that the writer over at Rude Pundit said it best.
GODDAMNIT!
"She said, often, that the sins of omission were the real crimes of contemporary journalism. Her columns so often filled that gap, talking about labor and working people and countries like the Congo and Indonesia. She refused in the last few years to get drawn into the false debate of "would you rather Saddam still be in power," turning that around to say that the left never wanted him in power in the first place.
She was goddamned smart, so smart she didn't have to flaunt it. So smart that she could use the down to earth side to say what she meant so all of us could understand it. She didn't suffer bullies. She loved Texas like a parent loves her child even after that child has gone on a three-state killing spree. She was unfailingly polite. And she could eviscerate anyone who was failing all of us with just an image or two. Those guttings will be desperately missed. That sense and celebration of the decency of the average American will be missed even more.
We've lost one of our defenders."
Labels: molly ivins, obituaries, pundits, social comment
¶ 00:03 0 comments
2006-08-25
in memory | Marie Jassy
The sunset photo was taken from the window adjacent to Marie's desk where she and I both worked
My friend and co-worker Marie Jassy passed from this realm on Tuesday evening, quite possibly at 5:26 pm.
I say this time with such apparent certainty because that's when Queen Williams' house alarm was set off as she traveled from Middletown to Hartford to see Marie for what would be one last time. I can believe Marie would make her mark as she was going out.
But it's difficult to absorb, this loss of Marie. There are some who have expressed shock to learn that she is gone, though not I. I knew she was struggling with a serious health problem and making the best of things all the while. Only a couple of weeks ago she went in for procedures and tests in New York. She had indicated she expected to come back to work.
Earlier this year, she had taken ill and was in the Intensive Care Unit at St Francis Hospital. On that occasion I kept frantically trying to get in touch, to no avail. It was a day or so before I was supposed to go itno surgery myself and while I sure didn't want to let her know that, I certainly wanted to see her before I would myself become incapacitated for awhile.
Finally, in frustration, I went to the hospital to see her. Before I went it was with advance warning from the hospital that only family members were permitted visits in the ICU. I arrived around what would be suppertime. Her room was near the entry to the unit. Someone had caerfully arranged an assortment of healing stones on the tray where food would ordinarily be set and she was sleeping. No one else was around. I went in, stood by the bedside and held her hand.
Only minutes after I arrived to see Marie, a nurse showed up and saw me with her. I may very likely had been crying. The nurse hesitantly asked if I, this pale, bespectacled white man, was part of the family. Without hesitation I said yes. She looked at me with some skepticism but said nothing more to me than "Well, don't wake her. She needs her rest." Frankly, I was happy just to be there.
While I stood there she awoke on her own and we got to speak with one another briefly. Thankfully, on that occasion, she recovered. She came back to work a couple of months later.
We worked closely together the last few months, she sharing insights with me about the patients we both worked with; of the differences and similarities to how each of approached our jobs; She, after all, had been trained as a nurse whereas I was always "the advocate." We shared more private discussions about our own lives and our repsctive families. We got to know each other much better.
Much of what we shared were our thoughts and memories of others and, while some of the stories we relayed back and forth shall remain forever confidential, many are not. They are, nevertheless, not germane to the subject at the moment, which is Marie.
I know she was not afraid of death and although it may be selfish on my part, I wish that she had been able to remain with us at least some while longer. She was a fine, caring woman, thoughtful and determined. Since I believe that one's Spirit doesn't end come termination of physical life, I ought say she still possesses all of these attributes, and more.
Although she will no longer be physically present, I pray that what knowledge she imparted to me, shall remain ever close. I am a better man for having met her.
Here's the official obituary
Marie Yvonne Jassy, 57, of Seneca Road, Middlefield, died on Tuesday, August 22nd at St. Francis Hospital. Born in Washington, DC she was the daughter of Delilah (Buggs) Langlois and the late Joseph R. Langlois.
She was raised in Copiague, NY before moving to Middletown in 1972, was a graduate of the Ona M. Wilcox School of Nursing as a Registered Nurse and the University of Hartford receiving a BS degree in Nursing and a Master’s degree in Public Administration.
After graduation she worked for Connecticut Valley Hospital for 30 years as a registered nurse and worked as a drug and rehabilitation counselor and was a member of Cross St. AME Zion Church. Marie was an avid animal lover and dedicated her life to caring for people and animals.
Besides her mother, Marie is survived by one brother, Patrick E. Langlois of Florida; three sisters, Brenda Sondej of Alberton, GA, Rosetta Langlois of Hempstead, NY, and Melvina Langlois of Kings Park, NY; her niece and nephew Shaheen and Nadiyah Kelley, of whom she was a loving parent to; two nephews, Kafele Khalfani and Kyle Langlois; one grand niece Sydney Lee Kelley, her special cousins, Theresa Langlois, Jerome Langlois, and Renee Albritton; special friends, Queen Williams, Carol and Roy Smith, and a host of cousins and friends; and her pets, Fuego and Nez, whom she adored.
Besides her father she was predeceased by, one brother, Roland Langlois and two sisters, Pauline Ogeal and Yaamina “Joan” Langlois.
Funeral services will be held at the Cross St. AME Zion Church on Saturday, August 26th at 5:00 pm with the Rev. Moses L. Harvill officiating and interment will be at the convenience of the family.
Friends may call at the church on Saturday from 4:00 to 5:00 pm and those who prefer may make contributions to the Marie (Langlois) Jassy Scholarship Fund, c/o 24 Jane St., Hempstead, NY 11550-4621 or to CT Humane Society, 701 Russell Rd., Newington, CT 06111. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at Doolittle Funeral Service, Inc. 14 Old Church St., Middletown, is in charge of arrangements.
Send memorial contributions to:
CT Humane Society
701 Russell Road
Newington, CT 06111
-or-
Marie (Langlois) Jassy Scholarship Fund
c/o 24 Jane St.
Hempstead, NY 11550-4621
Take good care Marie. I sure am going to miss you.
My friend and co-worker Marie Jassy passed from this realm on Tuesday evening, quite possibly at 5:26 pm. 
I say this time with such apparent certainty because that's when Queen Williams' house alarm was set off as she traveled from Middletown to Hartford to see Marie for what would be one last time. I can believe Marie would make her mark as she was going out.But it's difficult to absorb, this loss of Marie. There are some who have expressed shock to learn that she is gone, though not I. I knew she was struggling with a serious health problem and making the best of things all the while. Only a couple of weeks ago she went in for procedures and tests in New York. She had indicated she expected to come back to work.
Earlier this year, she had taken ill and was in the Intensive Care Unit at St Francis Hospital. On that occasion I kept frantically trying to get in touch, to no avail. It was a day or so before I was supposed to go itno surgery myself and while I sure didn't want to let her know that, I certainly wanted to see her before I would myself become incapacitated for awhile.
Finally, in frustration, I went to the hospital to see her. Before I went it was with advance warning from the hospital that only family members were permitted visits in the ICU. I arrived around what would be suppertime. Her room was near the entry to the unit. Someone had caerfully arranged an assortment of healing stones on the tray where food would ordinarily be set and she was sleeping. No one else was around. I went in, stood by the bedside and held her hand.
Only minutes after I arrived to see Marie, a nurse showed up and saw me with her. I may very likely had been crying. The nurse hesitantly asked if I, this pale, bespectacled white man, was part of the family. Without hesitation I said yes. She looked at me with some skepticism but said nothing more to me than "Well, don't wake her. She needs her rest." Frankly, I was happy just to be there.
While I stood there she awoke on her own and we got to speak with one another briefly. Thankfully, on that occasion, she recovered. She came back to work a couple of months later.
We worked closely together the last few months, she sharing insights with me about the patients we both worked with; of the differences and similarities to how each of approached our jobs; She, after all, had been trained as a nurse whereas I was always "the advocate." We shared more private discussions about our own lives and our repsctive families. We got to know each other much better.
Much of what we shared were our thoughts and memories of others and, while some of the stories we relayed back and forth shall remain forever confidential, many are not. They are, nevertheless, not germane to the subject at the moment, which is Marie.
I know she was not afraid of death and although it may be selfish on my part, I wish that she had been able to remain with us at least some while longer. She was a fine, caring woman, thoughtful and determined. Since I believe that one's Spirit doesn't end come termination of physical life, I ought say she still possesses all of these attributes, and more.
Although she will no longer be physically present, I pray that what knowledge she imparted to me, shall remain ever close. I am a better man for having met her.
Here's the official obituary
Marie Yvonne Jassy, 57, of Seneca Road, Middlefield, died on Tuesday, August 22nd at St. Francis Hospital. Born in Washington, DC she was the daughter of Delilah (Buggs) Langlois and the late Joseph R. Langlois.
She was raised in Copiague, NY before moving to Middletown in 1972, was a graduate of the Ona M. Wilcox School of Nursing as a Registered Nurse and the University of Hartford receiving a BS degree in Nursing and a Master’s degree in Public Administration.
After graduation she worked for Connecticut Valley Hospital for 30 years as a registered nurse and worked as a drug and rehabilitation counselor and was a member of Cross St. AME Zion Church. Marie was an avid animal lover and dedicated her life to caring for people and animals.
Besides her mother, Marie is survived by one brother, Patrick E. Langlois of Florida; three sisters, Brenda Sondej of Alberton, GA, Rosetta Langlois of Hempstead, NY, and Melvina Langlois of Kings Park, NY; her niece and nephew Shaheen and Nadiyah Kelley, of whom she was a loving parent to; two nephews, Kafele Khalfani and Kyle Langlois; one grand niece Sydney Lee Kelley, her special cousins, Theresa Langlois, Jerome Langlois, and Renee Albritton; special friends, Queen Williams, Carol and Roy Smith, and a host of cousins and friends; and her pets, Fuego and Nez, whom she adored.Besides her father she was predeceased by, one brother, Roland Langlois and two sisters, Pauline Ogeal and Yaamina “Joan” Langlois.
Funeral services will be held at the Cross St. AME Zion Church on Saturday, August 26th at 5:00 pm with the Rev. Moses L. Harvill officiating and interment will be at the convenience of the family.
Friends may call at the church on Saturday from 4:00 to 5:00 pm and those who prefer may make contributions to the Marie (Langlois) Jassy Scholarship Fund, c/o 24 Jane St., Hempstead, NY 11550-4621 or to CT Humane Society, 701 Russell Rd., Newington, CT 06111. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at Doolittle Funeral Service, Inc. 14 Old Church St., Middletown, is in charge of arrangements.
Send memorial contributions to:
CT Humane Society
701 Russell Road
Newington, CT 06111
-or-
Marie (Langlois) Jassy Scholarship Fund
c/o 24 Jane St.
Hempstead, NY 11550-4621
Take good care Marie. I sure am going to miss you.
Labels: marie jassy, obituaries
¶ 04:42 1 comments
2006-04-15
rainbow's promise | mental health
We had a rainbow show up over the max-security building at work the other day, and perhaps this bodes well, for things have not been good of late.
It's no secret that the Department of Justice is coming to do a site visit where I work. The reasons for this are varied, but doubtless include the death of James Bell, in 2002, when, in front of nearly 30 staff, died of a heart attack yet, according to investigative reports, no one did anything except put him in restraints.
Among the residents where I work [you might call them "patients"], there is a sense that little has changed since that event, though much has.
The place still has a long way to go and even though, according to the the National Alliance on Mental Illness [NAMI] the state of Connecticut ranks a "B" [tied with Ohio for the quality of care provided to people], there is far to go before care providers can rest on their laurels.
Many staff still fail to grasp the importance of respecting another person's personal space [let alone their rights]. Grievances I receive all too frequently have
birth in someone's utter lack of consideration about others. This kind of obdurate behavior muddies what might be a person's really critical issues. The nurse who rudely dismisses a man complaining of severe lower back pain, might be ignoring a developing tumor [that actually happened ~ the man is now paralyzed from the waist down].
Then there's the preoccupation, even sloven fealty to Big Pharma; as if taking a mouthful of meds actually solves problems like some magic bullet. Let me clue you in here ~ in and of themselves, psychotropic meds are not cure-alls. Many have severe and crippling side-effects that could last for life and the taker of meds has to "choose" between living with extreme discomfort, diabetes, kidney failure, even the possibility of premature death. All this in exchange for numbing the intensity of one's psychiatric symptoms. Yet, so frequently, nursing staff's first response to expression of crisis is "So do you want a PRN?" Make's you wonder what ever happened to sitting down and actually listening to someone to hear their personal tales of woe before being inappropriately prescriptive.
Clinical professionals, as well as lay-people fail to grasp the basic reality that many individuals with perceptual and cognitive conditions that become disabling, severe and long-lasting, can and do recover from their inability to deal with those conditions. For some, "recovery" means the conditions go away completely, for others, they learn to adapt and function with the conditions, however difficult that me be for not only themselves, but for others with whom they live.
But that recovery rarely occurs in a vacuum. Those around those with the difficulties and travails that society has dubbed to be "mental illnesses" have to be available to provide, care, compassion, support, uncondtional love, understanding and forebearance. Not someting easily done, perhaps, but without it the rainbow's promise is all the more difficult to find.
RESOURCES: Advocacy Unlimited; Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law; Dr. Peter Breggin; Centre for Evidence Based Mental Health; Copeland Center for Wellness and Recovery; MindFreedom; National Alliance on Mental Illness; National Institute of Mental Health; Mental Health Matters | Cross posted at Rondacker's LiveJournal Diary
It's no secret that the Department of Justice is coming to do a site visit where I work. The reasons for this are varied, but doubtless include the death of James Bell, in 2002, when, in front of nearly 30 staff, died of a heart attack yet, according to investigative reports, no one did anything except put him in restraints.
Among the residents where I work [you might call them "patients"], there is a sense that little has changed since that event, though much has.
The place still has a long way to go and even though, according to the the National Alliance on Mental Illness [NAMI] the state of Connecticut ranks a "B" [tied with Ohio for the quality of care provided to people], there is far to go before care providers can rest on their laurels.
Many staff still fail to grasp the importance of respecting another person's personal space [let alone their rights]. Grievances I receive all too frequently have
birth in someone's utter lack of consideration about others. This kind of obdurate behavior muddies what might be a person's really critical issues. The nurse who rudely dismisses a man complaining of severe lower back pain, might be ignoring a developing tumor [that actually happened ~ the man is now paralyzed from the waist down]. Then there's the preoccupation, even sloven fealty to Big Pharma; as if taking a mouthful of meds actually solves problems like some magic bullet. Let me clue you in here ~ in and of themselves, psychotropic meds are not cure-alls. Many have severe and crippling side-effects that could last for life and the taker of meds has to "choose" between living with extreme discomfort, diabetes, kidney failure, even the possibility of premature death. All this in exchange for numbing the intensity of one's psychiatric symptoms. Yet, so frequently, nursing staff's first response to expression of crisis is "So do you want a PRN?" Make's you wonder what ever happened to sitting down and actually listening to someone to hear their personal tales of woe before being inappropriately prescriptive.Clinical professionals, as well as lay-people fail to grasp the basic reality that many individuals with perceptual and cognitive conditions that become disabling, severe and long-lasting, can and do recover from their inability to deal with those conditions. For some, "recovery" means the conditions go away completely, for others, they learn to adapt and function with the conditions, however difficult that me be for not only themselves, but for others with whom they live.
But that recovery rarely occurs in a vacuum. Those around those with the difficulties and travails that society has dubbed to be "mental illnesses" have to be available to provide, care, compassion, support, uncondtional love, understanding and forebearance. Not someting easily done, perhaps, but without it the rainbow's promise is all the more difficult to find.
RESOURCES: Advocacy Unlimited; Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law; Dr. Peter Breggin; Centre for Evidence Based Mental Health; Copeland Center for Wellness and Recovery; MindFreedom; National Alliance on Mental Illness; National Institute of Mental Health; Mental Health Matters | Cross posted at Rondacker's LiveJournal Diary
Labels: big pharma, drug wars, mentally ill, obituaries, prisons, Recovery
¶ 13:17 0 comments
