This essay makes me think achingly. As a retiree addictions specialist I sometimes dread picking up the phone; there have been calls over the years where as soon as I saw the number I knew the outcome. But like you, I didn’t get into this muddy field just for the good outcomes. I still ache reading your essay for the second time.
I think the hardest one was my first patient on my watch. His mom was tired of being called horrible names among many other negatives; she said no more and asked my opinion. I told her truthfully that her boundaries HAD to be her own; I remember telling my own mom that I could not enable her eating disorder anymore and that I was prepared to carry her casket. I shared that. Mom lived, her son OD’d. Talk about an ache. Patient’s mom was amazing because I wanted her to have the opportunity to debrief, and when THAT call came in it was tough. But it’s who we are. I love your postings because they make me think.
This essay makes me think achingly. As a retiree addictions specialist I sometimes dread picking up the phone; there have been calls over the years where as soon as I saw the number I knew the outcome. But like you, I didn’t get into this muddy field just for the good outcomes. I still ache reading your essay for the second time.
I'm sure you have had many difficult conversations and phone calls in your line of work, Jim. I'm always grateful when you leave your thoughts.
I think the hardest one was my first patient on my watch. His mom was tired of being called horrible names among many other negatives; she said no more and asked my opinion. I told her truthfully that her boundaries HAD to be her own; I remember telling my own mom that I could not enable her eating disorder anymore and that I was prepared to carry her casket. I shared that. Mom lived, her son OD’d. Talk about an ache. Patient’s mom was amazing because I wanted her to have the opportunity to debrief, and when THAT call came in it was tough. But it’s who we are. I love your postings because they make me think.
Powerful and real. Thank you for being you.
💗