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street roots
14
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Dec. 21, 2012
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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.
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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!