Getting Involved: Compassion with Action

I got a call from my sister Connie who talked of our cousin. Mike is in the hospital being evaluated for psychiatric issues. He had been pounding on the door of his neighbor in the middle of the night. Mike's guardian is one of our family members.

Just this week I had read the following quote from a novel. The protagonist is a philosopher and she said, "We cannot choose the situations in which we become involved in this life; we are caught up in them whether we like it or not. If one encounters the need of another, because of who one happens to be, or where one happens to find oneself, and one is in a position to help, then one should do so. It was as simple as that." She shrugged. "The point is that I have to do this, I cannot walk away from it. (pg 122, "Friends, Lovers, Chocolate" Alexander McCall Smith)

I called the guardian's office and requested to speak to the staff person who visits Mike. I spoke of my concerns regarding Mike's guardianship and the need for his physical safety, mental and emotional care. The spokeswoman asked that I file a request for change of guardianship. I did and faxed her the form this afternoon.

I did not choose this situation. I had discussed guardianship with this family member a year ago and the situation has deteriorated over the year. I felt a moral obligation to step in and take action within the legal system. Whether the guardian will see that Mike's needs are the most important consideration at this time or not is not for me to decide. I have done what I could do "I cannot walk away from it."

Holding everyone in my prayers and asking you for your prayers for Mike and all our family. Blessings for the Holiday weekend.