To the Editor,
Hi folks, sorry for the delay in getting back to you, but I suffered a bit of a setback: fell and bruised a rib, and the pain killer interacted badly with my depression. Again, luckily my work experiences in MH, enabled me to recognize it, and make adjustments. But any way back to me being me…
First, locally: I want to thank Julie Barnes, our V.A. Rep. As I had mentioned previously my thanks to Joe Mitchell and company for their help with my yard situation. But, Julie has also come to the rescue. She discovered a non-profit from Home Depot that is going to upgrade my whole yard, for free. When broke, 71 years old, and alone, it is really discouraging to have that situation…At the last City Council meeting Public Participation I mentioned my appreciation. But for those who do not watch it, I want to share my appreciation. She does so much to help our Vets from getting things for them at the store, to tracking down resources. Plus her usual job of taking care of the need of so many of us she deserves the praise and appreciation of all of Westfield.
Next on my thanks list: Ward 6 Councilor William Onyski for making progress on getting a traffic light on Union St., where it connects with Springdale. That spot can be dangerous. Public safety being a priority it is important to have a light where 3 streets converge.
Last time I mentioned a lot of the negatives that have impacted my life, BUT, there were positives…Learning early in life my civic duties and responsibilities, and how to make them work. Having met the Kennedy’s; and attended many functions often left to older and far more connected folks. Growing up Holyoke, Delaware, and California: how to value myself, when others did not; getting to know so many people with such a diversity of origins, and beliefs. Learning to judge people on their individual character; public speaking, and so many other things that I gained from those times, that I would not and could not learn elsewhere, or from any better sources. And, a lot of real reality learning as well. Simple things like going to NYC for New Year’s Eve by myself, and having a blast. My work in Civil Rights, and being treated as an adult even though still in high school. Being sponsored to attend all New England Youth Leadership Trainings, where’re I met and learned from many other successful achieving adults. The Army: for a poor kid from South Holyoke to go to Germany; and where I was able to mediate conflicts, and save a couple of live because of it. As well my life adventures from hanging out with my German friends and doing some fun things as concerts, and other things. Hitching across much of the USA. Hanging out with bikers, and other such folks and surviving it unscathed. Participating in Peace, andante-poverty/Civil Right Marches in NYC, and D.C. A loner can have fun meeting new people. At HCC, to organize a Vet’s Club that is still there, and being a Student Trustee on the MBRCC where I was able to convince my younger peers that advocacy can win out over protests, and it did. To Meeting a President, and chatting with him (Bill Clinton) and being a driver later, for a Presidential motorcade. A radio talk show host. A teacher, though a substitute kind…a youth counselor, and my work in Human Behavior through DMR. And, a legacy from the Army; being a chef as an outlet for my creativity. Not bad for a kid from the wrong side of town. While not completely, it did add some balance to the negatives of far more powerful people who found my being right and doing the greater good kind of things unacceptable. And, while self-seen as respectable, did dastardly things to avenge my interjections even when right and for a greater good. When younger and having a team to work with I could endure things better, the effect of a loss of years due to the collegiate vendetta, and then and finally at 65 the manipulations to “get your job” causing me to lose a well-earned positive reputation, and the follow-up of economic loss…well, even I could take just so much. Thus depression and anxiety. But, this subject needs to be addressed some more for we are experiencing unprecedented social cultural effects, that there seems to be quandary of why is this happening. And, before I kick it. I do not have, as no one has, the complete solution, but want to add some factors that I do h=not hear being submitted for consideration that could help save lives, and minds. A pop up thought: MASH: when father Mulcayhee (excuse the misspelling) and the local psych were talking about their jobs in a combat zone: that Hawkeye feared the loss of life; and the psych the loss of minds, and the Father, the loss of Souls…. For this is now a fear that combines all 3 of these thus a real need to be reasonably, rationally, and responsibly dealt with. I know I have some ideas to share, that may help; as I have done in the past; I just need to do something to be heard and considered. Wish me well, this situation is killing too many. Wish me well.
Brian Hoose, [email protected]
