mighty oaks

I feel like this picture is a great representation of how Woodlawn feels about itself.  It makes me angry too.

I was talking with someone last week and her children had gone with a camp to Woodlawn to pick up trash.  They were told several times throughout the day to “Just put it down.  It’ll be there again tomorrow.”

I don’t know how many times I have been told that what I am doing is basically a lost cause; that these people feel entitled to health care, that they can never be taught to come to appointments on time, that they can’t . . . . and it will never . . . .

Monday, there was a fight just outside the health center.  It was terrible.   I remember people fighting in high school, but I had forgotten about the sound it makes when someone in just railing on someone else.  There were people everywhere watching this fight.  All of them were in school uniforms meaning all of them were still just kids!  Later that night, when I left work, the policeman that watches us as we come and go said those kids had gone and gotten guns and were after each other now.  Again, I was so angry.  These kids were going to try and kill each other over somethine incredibly stupid I am sure.

Everyone on the outside believes that no one in Woodlawn can change.  For whatever reason, people in Woodlawn believe that nothing will ever change.  THIS IS A LIE!!!

I have been asked by several of my patients if I “will be there” when they need to come back or “when I am leaving”?  Right now, no one is going anywhere.  We are in this for the long haul. 

A friend of mine has a plaque in her sons’ bathroom that I love.  It is an old proverb.  It says “Mighty oaks from tiny acorns grow.”  This is true for Woodlawn as well.  We are simply planting the seeds and hoping and watching (not wishing) for mighty oaks. 

I know, without any doubt, that change and growth, is possible in Woodlawn.  Just one tiny acorn at a time.

Much love my friends.