this is such an important piece of writing Mark. i worked in a psychiatric hospital for children and it didn’t take long before I realized at least 1/2 of the kids didn’t really need to be there, but their parents sure did.
Parents get so wrapped up in their problems and frustrations that they lose perspective. I worked in a psych unit for adolescents as well, Wendi, and the kids seemed to internalize their parents problems. It was if they were carrying around their parents hostility and acting out against the world.
yes…………working with children and teens was so very hard for me as many of them were trapped in their situation. I could only do it for so long as my heart couldn’t handle it. Bless you for making an impact on so many peoples lives.
well, yes, I live with multiple chronic illnesses and having a job that takes a toll on your body physically and mentally is not a good thing. i hope your health has improved!
Very moving poem! Children should not have to carry baggage never meant for them in the first place. The weight is too heavy and they cannot understand the cumbersome, illogical papers stuffed inside the suitcases. Always, children are trying to figure everything out, and mostly, they blame themselves for something that has nothing to do with them.
Crow On The Wire 
this is such an important piece of writing Mark. i worked in a psychiatric hospital for children and it didn’t take long before I realized at least 1/2 of the kids didn’t really need to be there, but their parents sure did.
Parents get so wrapped up in their problems and frustrations that they lose perspective. I worked in a psych unit for adolescents as well, Wendi, and the kids seemed to internalize their parents problems. It was if they were carrying around their parents hostility and acting out against the world.
yes…………working with children and teens was so very hard for me as many of them were trapped in their situation. I could only do it for so long as my heart couldn’t handle it. Bless you for making an impact on so many peoples lives.
Thank you, Wendi. You have to pat yourself on the back for knowing when to leave. Some of us hang in there too long despite it affecting our health.
well, yes, I live with multiple chronic illnesses and having a job that takes a toll on your body physically and mentally is not a good thing. i hope your health has improved!
I’m doing pretty well. Trying to be mindful of doing my treatments and knowing my limits.
i am happy to read this! 🙂
👌🏻😎
This one really hit home.
I appreciate you sharing that, Liz.
Thanks, Mark. I also came from such a combative family.
Unfortunately, we are part of a long list, Rosaliene. I lucked out in my second marriage, marrying into a peaceful and joyful family. 😊
Very moving poem! Children should not have to carry baggage never meant for them in the first place. The weight is too heavy and they cannot understand the cumbersome, illogical papers stuffed inside the suitcases. Always, children are trying to figure everything out, and mostly, they blame themselves for something that has nothing to do with them.
Good point, Linda. Kids blame themselves for the parents woes. Then the kids have to go to therapy trying to understand that it’s not their fault.
That is exactly right! It is so unfair to the kids.
Absolutely. 🙏🏻
Trobled is key.
yes.
Sorry…troubled is key!