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About Street roots. (Portland, OR) 1998-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 21, 2012)
*» ♦« street roots 14 M i l Dec. 21, 2012 IC j Clinic memorial a time for joy, sadness Christmas In The Negative By John P inney B Y B A R B A R A M ARTIN died on the streets. There were some people who had taken their own lives. ld Town Clinic began as a small walk- There were also stories of people who had in medical clinic on Third Avenue found homes, acceptance, community, and and Burnside, started by the peace before leaving this world. Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon. Now, as I got choked up as I recounted telling a part of Central City Concern (since 2001), it patient of mine last year, immediately after is a fully functioning Primary Care Home at our 2011 memorial service, that he had Broadway and Burnside, serving adults who what appeared to be terminal lung cancer. are poor, physically and mentally ill, We knew that he would likely not make it homeless or dealing with addiction. through the year, and I planned to honor The holiday season is a good time to him at this year’s service if that should pause for a moment and reflect, even come to pass. He ended up working with though it can be hard to do in our busy hospice for a while, and was able to remain lives. For three years now, on the day comfortable in his own home. When he was before Thanksgiving, Old Town Clinic staff too ill to come into the clinic any more, I has decided to honor and recognize our got to speak to him on the phone. He clients who have passed away in the last shared that he was writing letters and year. This is a tradition that is sure to contacting old friends, and had been able to continue, as it is important to remember get in touch with some friends who he had our clients as well as to recognize our own loss and grieving process. not spoken to in many years. It seemed to We gathered this year, early on Nov. 21, give him some peace of mind as he traveled to honor those we have lost this past year. his journey. He died in March 2012. We started with some meditation and There were laughs, smiles and joy at this prayer, as well as song. Then staff members event, in addition to sadness and tears. got up to speak about each person who had This service highlights that there is a been a patient of ours who had died. This greater purpose to the work that we do. I year there were 67 names to read. We took personally felt a reaffirmation of why I am an opportunity to share some of what we here at this clinic. We are here for the knew about the individuals, and place a connections with people, the learning from flower in a large vase for each person. each other, and the ability to be a part of There were some good memories, stories someone’s life, in healthy times as well as of incredible triumph against significant through illness. odds. There were some sad stories of We had the fortune to get to know these people who seemed to never find their clients in some small way during their time peace in this life. There were stories of here on Earth, and this is one way we can clients living their lives the way that was honor their lives. We say their names and right for them, and dying on their own we remember. terms. There were stories of people who C O N T R IB U T IN G C O L U M N IS T O Barbara M artin has spent the last eight years working as a physician assistant at the Old Town Clinic. 2 1 1/nfo Get Connected. G et Answers. If you need help with any of the following: Food Resources, Health Care, Public Agencies, Legal Services, Employment Resources, Oounseling/Support Groups Housing/Emergency Shelter and Much I do not ask for the smell of chestnuts Or for this glitter across my skin. I do not summon the glow of candles nor hear all trumpets for on high. The passing of winter we honor So many years, so many traditions. How can we captivate them all in Strings of lights and plastic spheres. Do you carol as you murder trees? Do you gift wrap third world goats? Do you make soup stock from memory? Does Martha’s perfect wreath haunt you? Carpenter and Crosby wish you well. Reminders everywhere, The intensity of hope is palatable, Or at least we are told. These things we are told are molded from childhood. We are nothing without grandmother’s cookies. Floating away if Charlie does not anchor our goodwill. The warmth of love to keep the dead winter at bay. But still hearts can be brittle this Christmas day. Still children can gnaw on their tongues for more, An advertiser can still creep into your home, unaware. And here am I, Left holding this ladder, Watching as you fall and swoon in madness, Writhing unaware in your predictability. I cannot condemn you, though. Not in my jealousy, For Christmastime is here. Please Join Us For Celebrate the season with the H o lid a y Roast from Portland Roasting! $1 of every bag purchased benefits Central City Concern. Available in retail locations,, and at; ■ CCC Business Enterprises office 118 NW Third Ave, Portland CHRISTMAS DINNER on Christm as Day Noon to 4:00 pm plus gifts, phone calls, photos with Santa & live jazz It’s all FREE Y W C A D o w n to w n C e n te r 1111 SW 10th Avenue More! ■ www.portlandroasting.corn From yo u r cell: 503-222-5555. Www, centralcììycòneèr n.arg 603-467-4030 Presented by Potluck in the Park YWCA of Greater Portland For Transportation: (503) 255-7611 or xmasride@potluckinthepark.org For Donations please visit www.potluckinthepark.org This man works. So does Street Roots. A special thanks to all of our volunteers who are helping us through a busy holiday season. Thank you everyone — you make a world of difference!
