Kelly: The ever so cliche saying of God making good out of something bad really is true. We were 15 when Brian passed away; still young and clueless. Heck, I'm still young and clueless, but that's beside the point. But after the funeral, I remember feeling a sense of closure, but that sense of closure soon turning into anger. I was angry at God; angry and wondering how He could take someone I had barely known away from me. From the rest of his friends. From his family. It didn't seem fair. A few weeks prior to his death, he went to some camp....sadly I can't remember which one, and he accepted Christ. Again, I don't remember where I heard that from. He was about to start his senior year of high school and was supposed to graduate with our brother.
Then coming to college and things changed. I thought about Brian a lot. But that night I accepted Christ into my life (again) I realized and was comforted at the fact that he was in Heaven with Jesus, and it felt...right. And now, fast forward to 9 years later. I'm working where I love and loving what I do. So often I get patients who are depressed and want to end their own lives, usually because of a loss in their lives. Lost their jobs, going through a divorce/separation, and most often loss of a loved one. I always try to tell them that times are hard, but somehow we find the strength to make it through. My strength came from (and still does) come from God, but way back then I didn't realize that. Or if I did, I was just too busy being pissed off. And now, our lives are going on, and the world is still spinning. I still do think of Brian, but not as often as I used to. But when I do think of him, I think of my other friends, who for whatever reason or rhyme are still in my life but live far away. I don't know when I'll ever see them again, but I pray for their happiness and safety often. I am at peace, because I know Brian is in a better place, and I do hope one day when my time comes I will see him again.
Holly: It's amazing, and a bit staggering, to be honest, at how sometimes things can change so quickly. Like this week, for example. Monday, I woke up to another normal work day; Tuesday, I had my Grow Appalachia interview; Wednesday, another work day; Thursday, I received the offer; and yesterday, I submitted my resignation to my supervisor. That's that. It's done, just like that. On paper, my last day at UK is August 15th, just shy of three weeks from now. My days at UK are numbered, I have some time in between, and then on August 25th I hop on a plane to either Philadelphia, DC, Columbus, or Atlanta, and start a new chapter in my life. Things change.
And then, yesterday, I thought a lot of Brian. I still remember that day very fondly; just another day of marching band practice. We were all in the auditorium and then my friend was running to Kelly and I saying "it's Brian, he's gone." Things change.
Yesterday, July 25th, was 9 years since we lost our friend Brian, killed in a car accident. Brian was a friend whom we had just barely gotten to know, and yet...I don't know if I can speak for everyone, but I felt as if I'd known him my whole life. He could make anybody laugh. When we all parted ways for the summer I almost couldn't wait for the new school year to start, just to see what sort of shenanigans our group could get into. Our group all saw each other again that summer, but it was at his funeral. Not long after that, school started again. That was 9 years ago. I was 15 years old, still a kid, still had so much of high school left, hadn't even heard of Berea College, thought that friendships lasted forever, thought band was my world, and you know...the list goes on. I've done a lot of growing up since then, but I still think of Brian often. Things change, yes they do. But never forget where you were and what has happened.
We all change, when you think about it. We are all different people, all through our lives, and that's ok! That's good! You've got to keep moving, so long as you remember all the people you used to be.
Showing posts with label sad situations. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sad situations. Show all posts
Saturday, July 26, 2014
Thursday, May 15, 2014
30 Days of Doctor Who: Saddest Episode
Kelly: The End of Time. The first time I sat through it, I along with Holly, cried through the majority of the second half and periodically throughout the first half. It's a beautiful and very sad story of 10's departure. But the second time around, the end didn't make me cry at all. It was when he realized that Wilfred was trapped and he would have to let him out, thus sacrificing himself. SPOILERS.
One thing I love about David Tennant is that he is good at saying so much without saying a single word. It's at this moment where he knows what is about to happen, and there's nothing else to be done. But me? I could do so much more! So much more! But this is what I get. My reward. And it's not fair. Oh. I've lived too long. In the previous special, The Waters of Mars, we see The Doctor trying to be a God; trying to save those that were not intended to be saved. But when's about to...well...you know, he goes back to those he met along his life; those he saved without them really knowing it, but for them, it was ok. Mickey and Martha, Donna, Sarah Jane and Luke, and of course Rose. Rose was the first and last set of eyes the 10th Doctor saw. Seeing him leave, and say goodbye, was like losing a friend. This was the Doctor I fell in love with. In the end, he just lets go; lets go of the fact that he has lived for a very long time. But his words, his expressions, all of it, were real and genuine, because he, along with most of Who viewers, have lost someone. We know what that's like, what it feels like, and to see that realness on the big screen just stuck with me. Stuck with the both of us so much that we waited almost a month in between from the End of Time finished until we started Season 5. Yeah. For real.
Holly: So I was going to also pick "The End of Time"...which, let me just say this, made ME cry, and I don't cry at anything. Ask anybody. And Kelly so beautifully described it above that I don't think I could add any more to it, even if I tried. Having said ALL that, a sad episode for me was season 6's "A Good Man Goes To War".
This episode has a lot of stuff happen in just under an hour: The Doctor and Rory find Amy and newborn Melody, with a very, very touching scene between the four of them about halfway through the episode. The Battle of Demon's Run is on the verge of breaking out, but the Doctor manages to peacefully stop all fighting; even Madame Vastra is pleased, calling it his highest hour. And then almost instantly, fighting starts and lives are lost. Little Melody, it turns out, is a Flesh Avatar, and she disintegrates in Amy's arms. The Doctor tries to console her but she backs away from him. One of the Doctor's unknown admirers, Lorna, dies as well, reminiscing about her childhood encounter with him in the Gamma Forest. And River. River confronts the Doctor, almost blaming him; it's at this point that even the Doctor realizes just how powerful he really is. Turns out the enemies are afraid of our favorite Tardis-traveling Time Lord. I won't even mention the River storyline...we find out who she really is. SPOILERS.
There's a lot more to it than this. Truth be told, it's been a while since I've seen this episode, but it's powerful good stuff. I liked Matt Smith at this point, but from here on out he just gets better. (And I'm only saying this because we watched "The Rings of Akhaten" last night and oh my word. Just oh my word).
Holly: So I was going to also pick "The End of Time"...which, let me just say this, made ME cry, and I don't cry at anything. Ask anybody. And Kelly so beautifully described it above that I don't think I could add any more to it, even if I tried. Having said ALL that, a sad episode for me was season 6's "A Good Man Goes To War".
This episode has a lot of stuff happen in just under an hour: The Doctor and Rory find Amy and newborn Melody, with a very, very touching scene between the four of them about halfway through the episode. The Battle of Demon's Run is on the verge of breaking out, but the Doctor manages to peacefully stop all fighting; even Madame Vastra is pleased, calling it his highest hour. And then almost instantly, fighting starts and lives are lost. Little Melody, it turns out, is a Flesh Avatar, and she disintegrates in Amy's arms. The Doctor tries to console her but she backs away from him. One of the Doctor's unknown admirers, Lorna, dies as well, reminiscing about her childhood encounter with him in the Gamma Forest. And River. River confronts the Doctor, almost blaming him; it's at this point that even the Doctor realizes just how powerful he really is. Turns out the enemies are afraid of our favorite Tardis-traveling Time Lord. I won't even mention the River storyline...we find out who she really is. SPOILERS.
There's a lot more to it than this. Truth be told, it's been a while since I've seen this episode, but it's powerful good stuff. I liked Matt Smith at this point, but from here on out he just gets better. (And I'm only saying this because we watched "The Rings of Akhaten" last night and oh my word. Just oh my word).
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
30 Days of Sherlock: A moment that made you cry
Holly: Reichenbach hits really close to home to me and Kelly. She explains it much better than I can, but the conveying of reactions that John gives after Sherlock's "death" is very similar to what I personally felt after we lost our friend Brian, who was killed in a car accident. John's reaction is so chilling- it's just numbness, blank. That's how I was at first: I was just praying that it was some sort of joke, that he would just walk into the hallway and give me one of his trademark hugs. But he didn't. It really didn't hit me until his funeral. Sherlock's "death" didn't really hit John until he saw his grave.
What really gets me in Reichenbach is what happens after John sees Sherlock's grave: he straightens up and puts on his soldier face and soldiers on. I realize that eventually, that's what we all have to do after we lose someone close to us. But for John, it's like he's accepted it already, even though at one point he pleads for Sherlock to not be dead. Martin Freeman's entire performance those last few minutes of Reichenbach is just so powerful. I dare you to watch it and not be affected by it.
Kelly: Ironically, the night that we watched Reichenbach was on the same night of the 7 year anniversary of a friend's passing. I did not know what was coming when I viewed the episode for the first time; all I knew was what my friends who were fans of the show told me, which was that we would hate the ending. But watching the dialogue between Sherlock and John on the roof was....powerful, to say the least. Then, John's reaction after watching his best friend die in front of his very eyes was not what I was expecting. I was expecting an outpouring of emotions, tears and frantic behavior. But all you saw was just a blank and numb appearing expression. He doesn't actually shed any tears until seeing Sherlock's grave. None of the dialogue affected me, but seeing that expression completely moved me to tears, because I have been there. I saw myself in John's face. And Martin did such an excellent job; I feel to pull off something so moving you have to put yourself in the role. You have to know what that feels like; to lose someone you care about. Holly and I watched the episode again rather recently and I had the same reaction, because I've continued to know what that feels like, after losing my Grandpa a little over two months ago. That pain, that hurt, is real. If I'm not mistaken, I'm pretty sure Martin won a BAFTA for that episode; I know for the role of John Watson at least. Well deserving, if you ask me.
It's those actors and those performances that stand out from the rest. It's the genuine and realistic reactions, feelings, emotions and thoughts that stick in the back of your mind. In a parallel universe in my wildest dreams if I ever had the chance to meet Martin Freeman, I would say what I just wrote about. Good work, in my opinion, often goes unnoticed. And if you need further proof of how captivating the performance was, read this. A fan wrote a letter to Martin's brother the night after she viewed Reichenbach for the first time. Gave me goosebumps.
An Open letter to Martin Freeman
What really gets me in Reichenbach is what happens after John sees Sherlock's grave: he straightens up and puts on his soldier face and soldiers on. I realize that eventually, that's what we all have to do after we lose someone close to us. But for John, it's like he's accepted it already, even though at one point he pleads for Sherlock to not be dead. Martin Freeman's entire performance those last few minutes of Reichenbach is just so powerful. I dare you to watch it and not be affected by it.
Kelly: Ironically, the night that we watched Reichenbach was on the same night of the 7 year anniversary of a friend's passing. I did not know what was coming when I viewed the episode for the first time; all I knew was what my friends who were fans of the show told me, which was that we would hate the ending. But watching the dialogue between Sherlock and John on the roof was....powerful, to say the least. Then, John's reaction after watching his best friend die in front of his very eyes was not what I was expecting. I was expecting an outpouring of emotions, tears and frantic behavior. But all you saw was just a blank and numb appearing expression. He doesn't actually shed any tears until seeing Sherlock's grave. None of the dialogue affected me, but seeing that expression completely moved me to tears, because I have been there. I saw myself in John's face. And Martin did such an excellent job; I feel to pull off something so moving you have to put yourself in the role. You have to know what that feels like; to lose someone you care about. Holly and I watched the episode again rather recently and I had the same reaction, because I've continued to know what that feels like, after losing my Grandpa a little over two months ago. That pain, that hurt, is real. If I'm not mistaken, I'm pretty sure Martin won a BAFTA for that episode; I know for the role of John Watson at least. Well deserving, if you ask me.
It's those actors and those performances that stand out from the rest. It's the genuine and realistic reactions, feelings, emotions and thoughts that stick in the back of your mind. In a parallel universe in my wildest dreams if I ever had the chance to meet Martin Freeman, I would say what I just wrote about. Good work, in my opinion, often goes unnoticed. And if you need further proof of how captivating the performance was, read this. A fan wrote a letter to Martin's brother the night after she viewed Reichenbach for the first time. Gave me goosebumps.
An Open letter to Martin Freeman
Monday, July 8, 2013
30 Days of Sherlock: A picture that makes you :(
Holly: A picture, they say, is worth a thousand words. For me, there's literally a 10-second scene in Reichenbach that just kills me; it's John sitting alone in the flat after Sherlock's "death". In this picture you can't tell, but in the scene he isn't wearing any shoes. He isn't going anywhere, because there's nowhere to go. It's ironic, actually...the series starts with him alone in his flat, and it sort of ends with him alone in the flat.
Kelly: I think someone painted this, photoshopped it or whatever, but it conveys a sad yet very powerful message. When Sherlock is about to plunge to his "death," he holds his hand out to John, who is standing on the street.
"Keep your eyes fixed on me."
John returns the hand extension, not knowing that his best friend is about to jump from the rooftop, until Sherlock says "this is my note. It's what people do, right?" Their conversation ends abruptly and Sherlock falls from the roof.
"Goodbye, John."
Kelly: I think someone painted this, photoshopped it or whatever, but it conveys a sad yet very powerful message. When Sherlock is about to plunge to his "death," he holds his hand out to John, who is standing on the street.
"Keep your eyes fixed on me."
John returns the hand extension, not knowing that his best friend is about to jump from the rooftop, until Sherlock says "this is my note. It's what people do, right?" Their conversation ends abruptly and Sherlock falls from the roof.
"Goodbye, John."
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
23 years of memories
Holly and Kelly: We turned 23 today! :)
For Kelly, just another day of classes and stuff...it's funny how birthdays become a lot less exciting when you get older. We started off the day with the newly inaugurated president of Berea College, his lovely wife, and a few students at the walk/run club that's been going on all year. Figured we'd start off our new year of life on the right foot. Holly was inspired by a conversation with Ms. Laurie (the First Lady) about giving back to your alma mater, and in a very hobbit-like spirit of giving to others, made her very first...and not last...23rd birthday donation to Berea College. Not a large one, mind you, but sincere.
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| Hi! :) |
We met up with a very dear friend for lunch. This dear friend has become like a little sister to us; she will be graduating with Kelly and will be on to bigger and better things in her life. :)
The spirit of the day, however, was the receipt of news that we've been expecting for a few days now: our 91 year old Grandpa went to be with Jesus early this morning. We are all at peace with the situation, and although we are sad of his passing, we rejoice that he is now free of suffering, with the Lord, and reunited with our grandmother (she passed when we were five years old) and his siblings and parents. We remember him teaching us how to ride bikes...with much protesting on our part. He was probably one of the first people to tell us about Jesus and how much He loved us. He was the epitome of a servant leader: worked hard for what he had, loved his family, loved the Lord. There will come a day when we will see him again and we long for it. The outpouring of love, prayers, and support has been absolutely overwhelming and awesome, and we thank you all for it, from the bottom of our hearts. It's people like you and the good times we do remember that will make this loss easier to deal with.
The spirit of the day, however, was the receipt of news that we've been expecting for a few days now: our 91 year old Grandpa went to be with Jesus early this morning. We are all at peace with the situation, and although we are sad of his passing, we rejoice that he is now free of suffering, with the Lord, and reunited with our grandmother (she passed when we were five years old) and his siblings and parents. We remember him teaching us how to ride bikes...with much protesting on our part. He was probably one of the first people to tell us about Jesus and how much He loved us. He was the epitome of a servant leader: worked hard for what he had, loved his family, loved the Lord. There will come a day when we will see him again and we long for it. The outpouring of love, prayers, and support has been absolutely overwhelming and awesome, and we thank you all for it, from the bottom of our hearts. It's people like you and the good times we do remember that will make this loss easier to deal with.
We turned 23 today. 23 is just a number. God is good and He is faithful. He has a plan for us and our lives are changing. Of course we couldn't do it without Him, but as we said earlier, it's the support of our Berea family and friends that keep us strong. We are blessed to be a part of your lives and hope for 23 more years of friendships, love, and growing ever stronger in Christ.
Thanks for putting up with us!
Thanks for putting up with us!
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Love in spite of loss
Holly and Kelly: Our hearts are heavy once again today. We have just learned of the death of a Berea College student, a sophomore. The details are not known but suicide is suspected. We did not personally know this student, but, seeing as Berea is a small community, we are certain that there are those we do know that are feeling the ache and pain of losing a fellow student and friend.
This is why we emphasize on speaking words of love over hate. Everyone is almost always fighting some sort of internalized battle. We never know what one another is going through. We ought to be reaching out to one another, smiling and laughing with those we are close to, and bridging the societal and economic gaps that threaten to tear us apart. Kelly and I are doing our best to do just that.
We are praying for our beloved Berea College community today and ask that you would do the same.
This is why we emphasize on speaking words of love over hate. Everyone is almost always fighting some sort of internalized battle. We never know what one another is going through. We ought to be reaching out to one another, smiling and laughing with those we are close to, and bridging the societal and economic gaps that threaten to tear us apart. Kelly and I are doing our best to do just that.
We are praying for our beloved Berea College community today and ask that you would do the same.
Friday, December 14, 2012
In the wake of The Hobbit: Remembering Connecticut
Holly and Kelly: Our hearts are heavy this afternoon. Despite the amazing motion picture event we witnessed last night/early this morning, we were hoping to be blogging about The Hobbit and providing a bit of a review. But that is not the case.
We got home today and were shocked, saddened, by the news of yet another school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut. 26 people are dead, and at least 18 of them are children, all between the ages of 5-10. There really are no words to describe this type of tragic loss. It's simply deplorable and unimaginable. Besides the words that we are typing today, we are simply speechless.
We're just saddened by this. Literally, our hearts are hurting. Why would somebody do something like this?
The President just finished speaking. Today, I didn't see our country's leader. I saw someone just like us: wondering how in the world someone can do this. He spoke as a father.
In the midst of all of this, it is imperative that we speak messages of love over hate, compassion over ignorance, tolerance over intolerance. We need to pray for those who are hurting, those who are lost. We need to be lights in this world that is growing increasingly dark.
If any of you reading this have children, hug them tonight, and hug them often. Tell them you love them, and tell them often. Be a friend. Be a shoulder. Be a light. Our country simply cannot go on like this. It just can't.
To speak lightly of The Hobbit, Bilbo sacrifices everything to join a company of dwarves. Towards the end of the movie, Thorin asks Bilbo why he returned. Bilbo notes that yes, they do doubt him, but he has a home. He has a life that he often thinks of. The dwarves don't have any of that. But, in probably one of the most beautifully written scenes, Bilbo swears that he will help the dwarves reclaim their home.
Today, many people have lost everything. We should all have a little bit of Bilbo in us; reaching out and helping to those in need. We will be praying for those affected and we pray that any who read this will do the same. <3
We got home today and were shocked, saddened, by the news of yet another school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut. 26 people are dead, and at least 18 of them are children, all between the ages of 5-10. There really are no words to describe this type of tragic loss. It's simply deplorable and unimaginable. Besides the words that we are typing today, we are simply speechless.
We're just saddened by this. Literally, our hearts are hurting. Why would somebody do something like this?
The President just finished speaking. Today, I didn't see our country's leader. I saw someone just like us: wondering how in the world someone can do this. He spoke as a father.
In the midst of all of this, it is imperative that we speak messages of love over hate, compassion over ignorance, tolerance over intolerance. We need to pray for those who are hurting, those who are lost. We need to be lights in this world that is growing increasingly dark.
If any of you reading this have children, hug them tonight, and hug them often. Tell them you love them, and tell them often. Be a friend. Be a shoulder. Be a light. Our country simply cannot go on like this. It just can't.
To speak lightly of The Hobbit, Bilbo sacrifices everything to join a company of dwarves. Towards the end of the movie, Thorin asks Bilbo why he returned. Bilbo notes that yes, they do doubt him, but he has a home. He has a life that he often thinks of. The dwarves don't have any of that. But, in probably one of the most beautifully written scenes, Bilbo swears that he will help the dwarves reclaim their home.
Today, many people have lost everything. We should all have a little bit of Bilbo in us; reaching out and helping to those in need. We will be praying for those affected and we pray that any who read this will do the same. <3
Saturday, April 14, 2012
The power of words
Holly: It's not much of a surprise that many of our blog posts stem from conversations between Kelly and I. This one is no exception. Earlier this evening, while out and about taking a stroll through campus, we came across the subject of bullying. Not just bullying, but words in general, and how they affect us. Or don't, in the case of some people. But that makes me wonder.
I'll start this out by saying that Kelly and I were bullied in middle and high school. Nothing horrible or anything, but yes, we were. Obviously being in marching band and not giving in to the power highs of the queen bees of Fed Hock definitely made us prime targets. But it wasn't what they said about us that bothered us, it's why they were saying these things about us. Why had their perspectives of us changed? Did one of us do something negatively to change their thinking? I don't know how many times I've heard "Oh, I don't care what people say about me." I think, to some degree, we do.
Earlier in the semester I had a conversation with a friend about bullying, and I was expressing to her that I didn't understand why bullies bullied. I learned from this (and I find this to be rather true, now that I think about it) that bullies usually attack because it's an outward expression of stuff that's going on on the inside. The prime queen bee that bullied Kelly and I in high school, let's be frank, did not really have the greatest of home lives. But something that got to me is that people react and deal with things differently. Like Kelly and I, for example. Our queen bee bully had a terrible home life and probably had some horrible things said/done to her, so she, in turn, took all that #$%^&*&^ going on at home out on Kelly and I. But Kelly and I had a wonderful, loving, and supportive home life. How were we supposed to react to that?
Then I think about children who have crappy home lives, and then go to school and deal with more crap from bullies. How are they supposed to react to that? I think that this is what is driving 11, 12, and 13-year-old to suicide! All because of what other people say about them! That, in my eyes, is totally unacceptable.
I know I digressed quite a bit, and I apologize. But from what I've been through and from what others have been through, it has definitely made me more aware of what I say. There are so many young people out there who go through each day thinking something to the degree of "If no one smiles at me today, then tonight I'm ending it all", or "If no one says hi to me, then that's it. I'm done." What if something we say drives someone over the edge.....or pulls them back from it?
Kelly: I couldn't have said this better than myself. Being on the outside looking in has helped me to try to be more kind to people in general. The truth is at any given day or time we don't know what someone is going through. All it takes is one thing that we say wrong or one wrong action. And that's it. Kind of makes you wonder; do the bullies feel sorry for what they do/did? Do they feel remorse? Or do the viscous cycles continue? One thing is for sure, something that Holly mentioned. She mentioned that our top bully probably had a bad home life and such. But some bullies DON'T; some of them are raised by wonderful parents and have a wonderful home life. Yet something in them flips a switch. I don't understand it. And as long as I am a living, breathing individual I don't think I will. And sometimes it doesn't end. Even here in college I have witnessed bullying through gossip. One time it was my peers bullying a friend of mine. I put a stop to it!
So what do we do? Here's a thought; what if it were you? What if it were a friend? What if it was your son/daughter/grandchild/niece/nephew etc? My answer; just depends on the situation. But I close with this; let's all just THINK before we SPEAK. Words really can hurt, but they can also encourage and uplift. Pick flowers, not fights. Make love, not war. James 1:19, be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.
I'll start this out by saying that Kelly and I were bullied in middle and high school. Nothing horrible or anything, but yes, we were. Obviously being in marching band and not giving in to the power highs of the queen bees of Fed Hock definitely made us prime targets. But it wasn't what they said about us that bothered us, it's why they were saying these things about us. Why had their perspectives of us changed? Did one of us do something negatively to change their thinking? I don't know how many times I've heard "Oh, I don't care what people say about me." I think, to some degree, we do.
Earlier in the semester I had a conversation with a friend about bullying, and I was expressing to her that I didn't understand why bullies bullied. I learned from this (and I find this to be rather true, now that I think about it) that bullies usually attack because it's an outward expression of stuff that's going on on the inside. The prime queen bee that bullied Kelly and I in high school, let's be frank, did not really have the greatest of home lives. But something that got to me is that people react and deal with things differently. Like Kelly and I, for example. Our queen bee bully had a terrible home life and probably had some horrible things said/done to her, so she, in turn, took all that #$%^&*&^ going on at home out on Kelly and I. But Kelly and I had a wonderful, loving, and supportive home life. How were we supposed to react to that?
Then I think about children who have crappy home lives, and then go to school and deal with more crap from bullies. How are they supposed to react to that? I think that this is what is driving 11, 12, and 13-year-old to suicide! All because of what other people say about them! That, in my eyes, is totally unacceptable.
I know I digressed quite a bit, and I apologize. But from what I've been through and from what others have been through, it has definitely made me more aware of what I say. There are so many young people out there who go through each day thinking something to the degree of "If no one smiles at me today, then tonight I'm ending it all", or "If no one says hi to me, then that's it. I'm done." What if something we say drives someone over the edge.....or pulls them back from it?
Kelly: I couldn't have said this better than myself. Being on the outside looking in has helped me to try to be more kind to people in general. The truth is at any given day or time we don't know what someone is going through. All it takes is one thing that we say wrong or one wrong action. And that's it. Kind of makes you wonder; do the bullies feel sorry for what they do/did? Do they feel remorse? Or do the viscous cycles continue? One thing is for sure, something that Holly mentioned. She mentioned that our top bully probably had a bad home life and such. But some bullies DON'T; some of them are raised by wonderful parents and have a wonderful home life. Yet something in them flips a switch. I don't understand it. And as long as I am a living, breathing individual I don't think I will. And sometimes it doesn't end. Even here in college I have witnessed bullying through gossip. One time it was my peers bullying a friend of mine. I put a stop to it!
So what do we do? Here's a thought; what if it were you? What if it were a friend? What if it was your son/daughter/grandchild/niece/nephew etc? My answer; just depends on the situation. But I close with this; let's all just THINK before we SPEAK. Words really can hurt, but they can also encourage and uplift. Pick flowers, not fights. Make love, not war. James 1:19, be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
The flaw of today's healthcare in the eyes of a US citizen
Kelly: I will begin by offering this disclaimer; these are merely my observations and opinions. I am not putting myself on a pedestal and deeming myself an "expert." But, I feel that what I have seen and heard cannot be unnoticed. I just saw and heard some very heavy duty stuff, and this is my opportunity to process it all. I borrowed a video from one of my professors titled Sicko. I wasn't really sure what to expect. The first half hour (this is a documentary) discussed several US commonfolk who faced current health problems but because of lack of health insurance or flawed insurance were denied medical coverage. The first two examples were no health insurance, and a guy literally HAD TO CHOOSE which of his fingers to reattach. One would cost over 50k, the other just a little over 10k. Which do you think he chose?
There was more to the video, but two parts of this movie disgusted me the most. The first scenario took place in LA, and there was a guy who worked at some sort of free clinic. He was talking about how one day he was watching the cameras and a staff member escorted a confused and disorientated woman inside...while she was still in her hospital garb. Turns out, the staff of the hospital she came from found out she couldn't pay her bills, so they put her in a cab and drove her to the free clinic.
I'm sorry, but....WHAT?!
Oh no, it gets worse. Turns out when the hospital gets wind that patients can't pay their bills, they dump them. Yes, as in put them in a taxi and drop them off.
I'm sorry, but....WHAT?!
Another scenario focused on several 9/11 volunteers who helped victims get found amongst the rubble. I will say this again, these were volunteers...as in...NOT employees. However, because they were not properly protected because they were just you know, trying to do the right thing, they developed some health complications. But because their care was "too expensive" according to their insurance, they could not get the full care that they needed. Cut to....Guantanamo Bay in Cuba. This is where some of the 9/11 terrorists ended up as prisoners. They receive...and I quote straight from the film "top of the line healthcare." Yes, along with France and England and other European countries covered by the NHS (National Health Service), and Canada, they receive FREE HEALTH CARE.
Now I know what you're thinking: You mean to say that TERRORISTS who were responsible for 2,000+ lives over 10 years ago receive BETTER healthcare than average US Citizens?
Yes.
So later, the movie director gets a BOAT, takes these volunteers and boats them from Miami to Guantanamo Bay so they can get some good healthcare. But...according to the media, Cuba is one of our enemies. Or so you thought...the 9/11 volunteers are not only NOT turned away, but they also receive the diagnostic tests, cheaper prescriptions and procedures that some of them needed.
At this point in the movie I was crying. I really was. Not only because the volunteers got the healthcare that they truly deserved, but that they had to go to a "enemy" country to receive it. And they got exactly what they deserved, by golly! It's just appalling that this flawed healthcare is what our country, my country I live in, has come to. Refusing to pay for care, dumping helpless patients, denying people health insurance is just...sick. I can't come up with any other word.
What upsets me the most are two things: number 1, I will be working in this. I can't escape it, unless give up everything I love and have worked hard to build and move to another country. I'd make a heck of a living, but the trade off is higher tax dollars. Hmm...yeah, I'd pay higher tax dollars for free health care. Sign me up. Second, I too am fighting tooth and nail with insurance. Apparently, the rest of my physical therapy that I completed almost a year ago won't be covered until I go to the Billing Department and fill out this form that NOBODY bothered to tell me about. My mom had to call my insurance company.
I apologize that this post is so long, but I feel that we need to read this. And even if you're not a health care professional, PLEASE see this movie in some point during your life. It will change your life, maybe for the better, maybe for the worse. But if nothing, your eyes will be opened wide, as mine are. All I have to close with is this; we can do better.
To close, I would like to give the credit to the movie Sicko and all of the directors, participants and producers. Thank you for opening my eyes. Our country as a whole may not be "the best," but as a future healthcare provider I will do MY best to be THE best.
There was more to the video, but two parts of this movie disgusted me the most. The first scenario took place in LA, and there was a guy who worked at some sort of free clinic. He was talking about how one day he was watching the cameras and a staff member escorted a confused and disorientated woman inside...while she was still in her hospital garb. Turns out, the staff of the hospital she came from found out she couldn't pay her bills, so they put her in a cab and drove her to the free clinic.
I'm sorry, but....WHAT?!
Oh no, it gets worse. Turns out when the hospital gets wind that patients can't pay their bills, they dump them. Yes, as in put them in a taxi and drop them off.
I'm sorry, but....WHAT?!
Another scenario focused on several 9/11 volunteers who helped victims get found amongst the rubble. I will say this again, these were volunteers...as in...NOT employees. However, because they were not properly protected because they were just you know, trying to do the right thing, they developed some health complications. But because their care was "too expensive" according to their insurance, they could not get the full care that they needed. Cut to....Guantanamo Bay in Cuba. This is where some of the 9/11 terrorists ended up as prisoners. They receive...and I quote straight from the film "top of the line healthcare." Yes, along with France and England and other European countries covered by the NHS (National Health Service), and Canada, they receive FREE HEALTH CARE.
Now I know what you're thinking: You mean to say that TERRORISTS who were responsible for 2,000+ lives over 10 years ago receive BETTER healthcare than average US Citizens?
Yes.
So later, the movie director gets a BOAT, takes these volunteers and boats them from Miami to Guantanamo Bay so they can get some good healthcare. But...according to the media, Cuba is one of our enemies. Or so you thought...the 9/11 volunteers are not only NOT turned away, but they also receive the diagnostic tests, cheaper prescriptions and procedures that some of them needed.
At this point in the movie I was crying. I really was. Not only because the volunteers got the healthcare that they truly deserved, but that they had to go to a "enemy" country to receive it. And they got exactly what they deserved, by golly! It's just appalling that this flawed healthcare is what our country, my country I live in, has come to. Refusing to pay for care, dumping helpless patients, denying people health insurance is just...sick. I can't come up with any other word.
What upsets me the most are two things: number 1, I will be working in this. I can't escape it, unless give up everything I love and have worked hard to build and move to another country. I'd make a heck of a living, but the trade off is higher tax dollars. Hmm...yeah, I'd pay higher tax dollars for free health care. Sign me up. Second, I too am fighting tooth and nail with insurance. Apparently, the rest of my physical therapy that I completed almost a year ago won't be covered until I go to the Billing Department and fill out this form that NOBODY bothered to tell me about. My mom had to call my insurance company.
I apologize that this post is so long, but I feel that we need to read this. And even if you're not a health care professional, PLEASE see this movie in some point during your life. It will change your life, maybe for the better, maybe for the worse. But if nothing, your eyes will be opened wide, as mine are. All I have to close with is this; we can do better.
To close, I would like to give the credit to the movie Sicko and all of the directors, participants and producers. Thank you for opening my eyes. Our country as a whole may not be "the best," but as a future healthcare provider I will do MY best to be THE best.
Monday, November 21, 2011
A Lock Down kind of a day
Kelly: I woke up this morning, preparing for a seemingly normal Monday. My backpack was packed from last night and I emerged from a nice warm shower. I walked back from the bathroom to find my roommate talking on the phone to a friend of hers. She said "I'll let Kelly know since she's getting ready to head out the door." Confused, I grabbed my iPod and checked my email, noticing an email from the campus Public Safety. The first line read "There was a shooting this morning..." Reading further, I noticed that the campus was placed on lock down until 12:00.
The time is now 12:35. We are all still on lock down; the shooter is still at large, armed with possibly 2 rifles and a bullet-proof vest. According to LEX18 news (stationed about 45 mins. from campus), he was in the military and used to work for the college as a Public Safety officer. Two victims were involved; one has died and the other was taken to UK. It's scary, because we think nothing like this could ever happen to a small town such as Berea. But what I don't understand is what drove this man to take someone's life?
Also, the shooter "has a medical history." He served for our country. He used to WORK for the very campus I attend. What has happened to this individual? I pray not only for him but for the families that have been involved. In the mean time, I am chilling out with Holly and her roommate, trying to pass the time by reading what everyone else has posted on Facebook. Perhaps I will do some homework later, if this lock down remains for the remainder of the day. We've also received several rescue attempts (THANK YOU Middle Ages followers!!!!) We'll keep everyone posted as soon as we know any new information in the comments section. Thanks for caring everyone!
Holly: All of what Kelly said. I was getting ready for biochem and checking my email when I read my email about the shooting. At the same time my friend who works for the college called me and asked where I was; told her I was in my dorm and leaving for class in half an hour. What she told me was "No you aren't." That's when I read about the lockdown. That was about 4 hours ago, and the original email said classes and work were suspended until noon.
It's now 12:44, and we are still on lockdown, and will be until further notice. As bored and antsy as I am, I'm also kind of scared. I mean, this shooter was in the military, and was a former employee of the college, meaning he knows the campus well. He's been ruled as "armed and dangerous". Two victims have been involved, and one is dead. It's just sad. Really, really sad. It just makes me wonder what drives someone to this point where innocent lives and scared college students are involved.
I legit do not want to be here anymore. Like, for real, I just want to go home.
But i must post major props to our campus police. They have just been on top of it, keeping us informed and safe. So thank you, all of you. Berea students give them a lot of crap and right now they are on top of their game and I am really grateful.
We'll keep everyone posted in the comments section. <3
The time is now 12:35. We are all still on lock down; the shooter is still at large, armed with possibly 2 rifles and a bullet-proof vest. According to LEX18 news (stationed about 45 mins. from campus), he was in the military and used to work for the college as a Public Safety officer. Two victims were involved; one has died and the other was taken to UK. It's scary, because we think nothing like this could ever happen to a small town such as Berea. But what I don't understand is what drove this man to take someone's life?
Also, the shooter "has a medical history." He served for our country. He used to WORK for the very campus I attend. What has happened to this individual? I pray not only for him but for the families that have been involved. In the mean time, I am chilling out with Holly and her roommate, trying to pass the time by reading what everyone else has posted on Facebook. Perhaps I will do some homework later, if this lock down remains for the remainder of the day. We've also received several rescue attempts (THANK YOU Middle Ages followers!!!!) We'll keep everyone posted as soon as we know any new information in the comments section. Thanks for caring everyone!
Holly: All of what Kelly said. I was getting ready for biochem and checking my email when I read my email about the shooting. At the same time my friend who works for the college called me and asked where I was; told her I was in my dorm and leaving for class in half an hour. What she told me was "No you aren't." That's when I read about the lockdown. That was about 4 hours ago, and the original email said classes and work were suspended until noon.
It's now 12:44, and we are still on lockdown, and will be until further notice. As bored and antsy as I am, I'm also kind of scared. I mean, this shooter was in the military, and was a former employee of the college, meaning he knows the campus well. He's been ruled as "armed and dangerous". Two victims have been involved, and one is dead. It's just sad. Really, really sad. It just makes me wonder what drives someone to this point where innocent lives and scared college students are involved.
I legit do not want to be here anymore. Like, for real, I just want to go home.
But i must post major props to our campus police. They have just been on top of it, keeping us informed and safe. So thank you, all of you. Berea students give them a lot of crap and right now they are on top of their game and I am really grateful.
We'll keep everyone posted in the comments section. <3
Friday, November 4, 2011
Need to get this all out
Kelly: I'm flying solo for this post. My mind is scrambling right now and I need to just get it all out in the open in hopes that it'll make me feel better. My hands are visibly shaking due to worry, frustration and honestly, a bit of relief. I just returned from another podiatry consult about my ankle. So for the half-dozenth time, I explained my whole scenario, starting back in February of 2010. I knew right from the get-go that this doctor was different. He wasn't going to give me just another cookie-cutter response and send me on my way this time. One of the first questions I was asked was for the MRI report. Yeah, like I have that laying around. Luckily, I remembered the name of the place and it was faxed over. First part of the frustration; I heard the report for the first time...TODAY. I had the MRI done in January.
Second part of the frustration comes now. The affected tendon in my ankle has been torn...this entire time. Not badly, but still. It's been torn slightly. I'm just wondering for these people...would that have been so hard to tell me? NO. I don't think so. Ok, enough about that. I'm talking to my best friend right now and my mood is lifting. But...still. I wouldn't be hurting as much if you know, they hadn't failed to tell me that from the get go. Ok, anyway. So here's what the doctor told me: to prevent further tearing, I am stuck in a brace until....I get the ok from my insurance for a repeat MRI.
This is where the worry comes in. If the problem has gotten worse, there's one and only one solution; surgery. Recovery time is 6 to 8 weeks. Physical therapy will follow. I don't even want to think about all of that right now; all the class work I'm going to have to get caught up in, all the work hours I might miss, that's the worry. The hardest year of my major....and now...THIS. Just when I thought things couldn't get any more stressful. So here's what I'm going to do until then; PRAY...constantly! Monday, talk to my teachers and keep them in the loop as much as possible. Consult with Holly as soon as she gets back from teaching lab. Call my folks this weekend to let them know. Tell people at church on Sunday. Try to keep myself from calling the MRI place and screaming at them...yeah, not going to help. Try not to think about the worst-case scenario and hope for the best. Keep the pain at bay as much as I am able. Enjoy the free time I have this weekend. Marvel at the fact that in 2 WEEKS I will be enduring quite possibly the BEST NIGHT of my entire life!!! Laugh at the silly things and thank God when I wake up each morning.
I just wanted to inform all of you what is going on. I'm doing all right right now; just finished talking with my best friend, which always helps. My advice to all of you is this, if you think there's something going on with you, investigate it. DO NOT STOP. Do not stop until you are at a point where you can go through your daily life and not be in pain, or whatever. You know yourself better than anybody; you owe it to yourself to explore the problem. Don't settle for just a "do this do that" response. Ok, that's all. I will let you all know when I hear back from when my repeat MRI is and then we'll just take it from there. Thanks for caring. I love you all. :]
Second part of the frustration comes now. The affected tendon in my ankle has been torn...this entire time. Not badly, but still. It's been torn slightly. I'm just wondering for these people...would that have been so hard to tell me? NO. I don't think so. Ok, enough about that. I'm talking to my best friend right now and my mood is lifting. But...still. I wouldn't be hurting as much if you know, they hadn't failed to tell me that from the get go. Ok, anyway. So here's what the doctor told me: to prevent further tearing, I am stuck in a brace until....I get the ok from my insurance for a repeat MRI.
This is where the worry comes in. If the problem has gotten worse, there's one and only one solution; surgery. Recovery time is 6 to 8 weeks. Physical therapy will follow. I don't even want to think about all of that right now; all the class work I'm going to have to get caught up in, all the work hours I might miss, that's the worry. The hardest year of my major....and now...THIS. Just when I thought things couldn't get any more stressful. So here's what I'm going to do until then; PRAY...constantly! Monday, talk to my teachers and keep them in the loop as much as possible. Consult with Holly as soon as she gets back from teaching lab. Call my folks this weekend to let them know. Tell people at church on Sunday. Try to keep myself from calling the MRI place and screaming at them...yeah, not going to help. Try not to think about the worst-case scenario and hope for the best. Keep the pain at bay as much as I am able. Enjoy the free time I have this weekend. Marvel at the fact that in 2 WEEKS I will be enduring quite possibly the BEST NIGHT of my entire life!!! Laugh at the silly things and thank God when I wake up each morning.
I just wanted to inform all of you what is going on. I'm doing all right right now; just finished talking with my best friend, which always helps. My advice to all of you is this, if you think there's something going on with you, investigate it. DO NOT STOP. Do not stop until you are at a point where you can go through your daily life and not be in pain, or whatever. You know yourself better than anybody; you owe it to yourself to explore the problem. Don't settle for just a "do this do that" response. Ok, that's all. I will let you all know when I hear back from when my repeat MRI is and then we'll just take it from there. Thanks for caring. I love you all. :]
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