Find the Beauty
Saturday was tough! Instead relaxing after a stressful week, I had to complete a virtual course how to be a first aid responder for youth mental health. This is an employment requirement in Florida school systems to try and prevent tragedy.
I already had completed the two hours of pre-work in the evenings after teaching and logged in to Zoom at 8:15 a.m. on the weekend for the next four hours. Things went swimmingly until 9:56 a.m. when my power went out.
Waited a few minutes, thinking surely the electricity would go right back on. Only had my desktop to work on. Called neighbors. Their power out too.
Tried to log in on my phone but couldn’t register for Zoom. Called other neighbors down the block. They had power and said I could come over and work on their Ipad.
Got my keys and went to the garage to drive. Ooops. Forgot the garage door won’t open without power and afraid to lift door with my tricky back.
Walked a block to Bev’s. She kindly set me up with her Ipad, a TV tray, glass of water, and notepad. Logged back into virtual classroom in time for discussions how to position someone safely on the floor who has overdosed.
Told them one of my sophomores said this week, “I’ve already died.”
When I inquired for details, he said that he’d partied too much with friends and overdosed. “They did chest compressions and brought me back with NARCAN,” he said. “They never called the cops or 911.”
“Are you still with those friends?”
“No,” he said. “I moved out of state.”
Walked back with Ipad to make sure my puppy wasn’t too hot in the house. Wifi went out halfway. Internet technician sat in his truck outside my home. He said the power company might be 2 p.m. or later to restore service.
“I’m sorry,” he said.
Trudged back to Bev’s and logged into Zoom again. Topic now was how to notice signs of suicidal intentions and how to have a direct conversation.
“Are you thinking about killing yourself?” This leaves no doubt about what’s at stake.
Finished the course remembering that being in a school is more than homework or grades. Lives are at stake.
You too are a first defender…at the grocery store checkout line or next-door office cubicle. Take time to listen. You may not realize what a tremendous difference you can make.
* * *
NARCAN is an emergency treatment with nasal spray to counteract opiod overdose. Available for $34 at https://www.amazon.com/NARCAN-Emergency-Treatment-Overdose-Single-Dose/dp/B0CDQMYP39
Finding the good despite frustrations is a choice.
