Abandoned

Isn't it odd that when something catches your attention, you run into it again and again.

Yesterday, I was floating around in cyberspace and was drawn to a link to The Suitcase Project, which I found hauntingly fascinating. Long story short, suitcases found in the attic of an abandoned asylum, turned psychiatric hospital, held the stories of patient's lives before they were institutionalized. Some lived rich and full lives before they entered the hospital. All thought it a temporary situation. Most remained there until the end. Many were not even ill. They simply ran aground in life and had no one to help them get back on course. Go read some of the stories.

Then today, I went to see Belinda at upsidedownbee and there was Thrum Thursday post about Crazy, a book she read about the criminalization of the mentally ill in our country. And well, go read what she had to say. It's good, as always.

So, I've been thinking a lot about the people that get lost in life, abandoned by society. If the suitcase people lived today, they would probably be homeless. It makes me think about the value of the people that are put in our lives. There is nothing more important, after relationship with Christ, than our relationships with the people in our lives. We were created, after all, to be in relationship - with God and each other. It is a thing I need to remember as I stumble through life - I am not in it alone and that is good.

Speaking of....on Sunday I am going to pick up daughter #1 and we will travel to visit daughter #2 to deliver some needed bits of furniture for her new digs. And guess what exhibit is on display at a university library in #2's town? You guessed it....The Suitcase Project. Hmmm. Must figure out how to get them to let me go see it!