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Loretta Quinnett's avatar

Julie I know first hand about our mental health system, having had three older brothers with the middle one having an extreme case of schizophrenia. He was never able to live independently, work, have a family, or make a life for himself. The voices tormented him until he died unexpectedly three weeks after his 54th birthday. He lived at the time in a Mainsteam facility which was then located in the Sherman Hill area. He had gone out on pass to buy candy at a nearby convenience store. I got the call from Methodist Hospital while I was at work that the police had brought him in. This was not an unusual event for him but I wondered why not Broadlawns? I thanked her and hung up. She called back and said I'm sorry you didn't let me finish. We were unable to revive him. Just like that. No warning it was bad news, no asking if someone was with me, not even contacting the chaplain at another hospital in town where I was working. He had just dropped dead on his way back to his living facility. They said he was probably gone before he hit the sidewalk. The cause was later determined to be heart failure. He began his descent into his personal hell when he was 18-19. Thank you for and everyone who tries to shed the light on mental health issues that affect not only the individual but entire families.

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Beth Newbold's avatar

Wonderfull story. I also wish that I could have spent more time with my grandparents. The quote you shared is exactly the one that my father every time we all sat down for dinner. Episcopalians seem to have the same traditions.

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Linda Ford's avatar

Thank you for sharing these family stories, Julie. They carry deep emotional imprints. I have some important additional info. to share with you privately. You can contact me: lafcom@aol.com or text my cell. I think you must have that number in your records.

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Suzan Erem's avatar

Nicely done, Julie. I had a similar experience growing up and being the accident that came 6 years later. It's a good feeling when you find someone among your ancestors you feel you can relate to. Happy Belated Birthday!

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Shirley Neary's avatar

Love how you found your grandfather's church and photographed the communion rail. Thrilling!

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Virginia Traxler's avatar

Amen.

Thanks, Julie, for your “dad” story and your perspective. There are so many sad and cruel things being done in Iowa, it is hard to keep track. Maybe that is the strategy.

I spent much of my career life trying to help people negotiate the obstacles to getting mental health support, and have done the same in my family. It is difficult—often impossible. Thanks for helping us think about this today.

Also, what an adventure to discover a new part of your family history! 😊

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Julie Gammack's avatar

Thank you so much, Virginia, and all you do for those around you.

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William Witt's avatar

Amen, amen. Feelings of oneness with all of Creation?

Could it be you got the “god gene”? (As an agnostic plant geneticist friend fondly calls it.) Have you encountered contemplative spiritual practice? Checked out a Centering Prayer group, perhaps? Or done a retreat at a Trappist monastery? (Iowa has two.)

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Julie Gammack's avatar

I have not. Sounds fascinating.

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William Witt's avatar

See what googling “centering prayer central iowa” might yield.

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William Staplin's avatar

Dear Julie,

Wow, what a legacy. I am sure the Episcopalian church administrative assistant probably thought she saw an apparition. A fantastic legacy and there is thunder and power in your heart and voice. We need that power, right now more than ever and it behooves us to fight with all of our wits combined to pull back a thuggish, brutish, bullying attitude that belongs in the the past but keeps resurfacing in Iowa’s fair towns and Capital City. We need someone with Yankee ingenuity and compassion who cares about all humanity and not considering it a matter of ‘common sense’ to bulldoze a homeless community as a way to ‘cleanup’ our city. Disgusting and shameful. Keep fighting and raising your voice, Julie. Your Grandfather’s and father’s reverent spirits are alive and well.

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Keith A Moyer's avatar

I am shocked at the treatment and struggles of the homeless in Des Moines. We have a 33 year old son with mental health issues, that has been lucky enough to find in-bed treatment (never close to home but at least in state!) when he needed it. I read Kali White VanBaale's piece that started with a warning sign about public sleeping on public land. I guess that okays the bulldozer approach?! I wish more people had some empathy and compassion as witnessed in your father's prayer (and your writings). Thanks for sharing your story.

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Jan Wallace's avatar

I just don’t understand how anyone can feel good about destroying the few items someone might have. Surely there is a better, respectful way to help people. They have so little to begin with.

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Jim Sayers's avatar

Thank you for sharing this beautiful piece enlightening us a bit about why you are the way you are.

Your dad’s prayer clearly tells what our existence should be all about.

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Julie Gammack's avatar

Thanks Jim. Your feedback means a whole lot.

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MARCIA FISHER's avatar

I enjoyed reading this Julie! I knew some of it but learned some new things about you, especially the part about your Grandfather. That is a nice picture from his church. I’m glad you made that stop!

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Julie Gammack's avatar

It still feels strange I did not know much about my grandparents until they were all long gone.

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Robert Leonard's avatar

Beautiful. And raw.

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Julie Gammack's avatar

Thanks Bob. I am heartsick

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Becky Noehren's avatar

Julie, I too was an “accident”, my sisters 14 & 15 years older than me. I don’t know if our parents were ever strict, probably more that us girls just knew what was acceptable behavior.

My oldest sis has done extensive family history and there is some connection to a Church in the South Carolina Low Country. I have often thought I should have been born southern!

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Julie Gammack's avatar

Here is the video I saw posted under the X title Jake Grobe: https://x.com/grobewankenobi/status/1861481594587939035

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Julie Gammack's avatar

I just did a quick Google search on X and saw a local TV station talking about the city of Des Moines working on 'cleaning up' homeless camps.

Cleaning up?

Talk about a PR spin. Good grief.

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Virginia Traxler's avatar

I know. It makes me sick.

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