Hi, Facebook friends - Im scared of sharing personal stuff. That said, the last 12-months have been a slog - difficult circumstances of my own making. Most certainly a low point during which I nearly ruined my family. The recent revelation of Williams struggles hit close to home. There are a lot of us who bottom out and attempt to crawl out of a sandpit while weighed down with a heaviness that threatens to push in ones chest. Throughout, Kerry McNally and Dexter McNally waited me out and stuck by me. I was bad at acknowledging the mental health struggles in others and I didnt understand what redemption meant. I associated seeing a shrink with weakness. But a handful of people were there for me, and Im doing my best to express my gratitude to them in person. I have a better comprehension of compassion. In a week, Ill be able to put that into practice as I start a public information officer position at the countys Department of Health and Human Services - thanks to Heather Muller and a handful of other people who were looking out. Although it feels like it right now, the job isnt just a gift, however. Ive spent the last 20 years developing the skills applicable to the job. Im good at stuff - writing, photography and design, which are major components of the job. Its just about right. Further, I believe its governments job to serve the public, no matter what Paul Ryan tells me. DHHS is actively serving some 35,000 Humboldt residents. Integrated Services, where Ill be employed, coordinates the work of public health, social services and mental health and Ill get to work with a team charged with connecting our residents with information they need. On second thought, it is a gift. Life is. What else are we here for but to take care of each other? I will continue to do photography jobs for particularly awesome people or commercial jobs. And Ill always make time for interesting photography projects. Take care of one another.
Posted on: Mon, 18 Aug 2014 02:25:19 +0000