crazy dog lady

when i have to deal with my mental illness, it's rough. there are at least 7 specific points in the past 5 years where i felt i had ruined my own life. but dealing with my residents at work, with their mental illnesses, breaks my heart. i've cried over these mens' lives. b/c it's not fair. i have this one kid, we'll call him Allen, who's in his mid-20s. sweetest guy. really, he would never hurt a fly. 4 years ago, the voices in his mind told him that his mother was going to kill him. tormented him for so very long. until the day he slit her throat. last month was the first time he was able to speak about her since that day. and all he said was, "man, it's great that you're spending the weekend with your mom. i wish i could do that. i missed out on those things. i really miss her." WHY is it fair that this poor boy had his mother stolen from him by schizophrenia? a guy who, when stable, i've seen stop walking so a lizard could cross the sidewalk. why? sometimes, working where i do puts my illness in perspective, which can be helpful. but usually, it just hurts my heart.

getting angry during a manic episode 🙃

future hornet...? 🐝 #emporiastate

puppy's first snow day ❄️🐶❄️ (at Emporia, Kansas)

the dogs in kansas are just as friendly as the people ❤️ (at City of Emporia, Kansas)

😑😑😑