Yeah, that was pretty much my point but maybe I took it a bit deeper. I responded to a comment that someone “felt bad for the dogs owned by homeless people” or something of that nature. To me that implies that homeless dogs live a poor life and homeless people are not capable or deserving of being pet owners. That concept rubs me the wrong way for a variety of reasons.
D.H. Lawrence’s “Self-Pity” (I remember this from GI Jane with Demi Moore and Viggo Mortenson.. to name a few.)
I never saw a wild thing
sorry for itself.
A small bird will drop frozen dead from a bough
without ever having felt sorry for itself.
Regarding anyone, but no one in specific, wondering why it's hard to get healthcare workers.. despite the pay and/or bonuses that may or may not be offered. A combination of Covid and just case load is the reason. Healthcare is a tough job, even on the best days! You see people at there worst, sick, depressed or whatever is going on. People are impatient and "want" stuff.. many have diagnosed themselves on the internet and may not believe the doctor, nurse or whomever is helping them.
I worked for a year and a half at the UW Hospital in the Histology department, part of Pathology and that was an eye opeing experience for me! My mother, bless her, was a Director of Nursing at a local eastside nursing home for at least 20 years! I voluteered there periodically and sometimes just visited her residents, many of who had outlived their children and recieved no visitors. That doesn't include the people who leave their parents / loved ones in a place and almost never visit, if they do at all.
Both of these made me realize early on I did not want to be in the healthcare field. I was great a "pushing buttons" for many years as a web developer and consultant. I took a break 10+ years ago and while I may go back to IT, it will be in a different role. I've changed carreers many times, as things like fly fishing and other passions (I don't call them hobbies anymore) do more to help with my mental health and general happiness!
Mental health and drugs are a big part of the problem, but social inequity, is probably even bigger. Still we as individuals need to be responsible for ourselves, hopefully with the help of family and friends (when things get tough).
There is no easy answer, and on my recent trip to downtown Seattle I was not thrilled to see the situation.
We need to do something, not just ignore them or throw them in jail (some need to be put in jail). We need to help them to help themselves, at least the ones that want the help! Rents and housing costs are tough in our area.. it may slow down, but not right away!
It's gotten worse, and other than trips down to the Seahawks game Sunday and down to Hula Hula for a worthy fly fishing event next week, I will probably not go back to Seattle anytime soon. I will get back to volunteering at some local food banks, as I have more time than money. I would encourage anyone who has the time to do so.
Bill
