10 Comments

Thank you Rob, I understand how you feel, and sadly I just lost a friend who I really thought was going to make it (3years off drugs, but just out of prison with zero support), it's heartbreaking to see so much suffering. Your work is so important.

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Thank you for taking the time to read this, and for reaching out. I'm sorry to hear your friend passed away. It's really difficult to watch someone trying to get free of addiction with so little support. People who want to go into treatment but don't have the money for private care facilities have to wait months to get in, while also living a street entrenched life. It's a lot to ask of anybody in that situation.

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grateful always for your perspective my friend.

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Thank you so much, Dee. It's good to know this piece reached you. Sending love...

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Navigating blind through the shadows of death

Falling to the wayside of mother natures breast

Where might the hand be that extends to the soul of the flesh

And takes away the sorrow that gives the tortured rest

Is it on you… is it on me…

To leave no trace of presence

But Kilroy was here and I can see the spilled out guts

Doesn’t matter what I believe

I know this world is fucking nuts

I miss wondering if you are alive and well

Continue with this story at least once more

Once more, once more, once more

This story on you to tell

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Thank you for sharing your words here. I'm glad this piece served as a platform for your own expression.

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Thank you for this story. Thank you for the work you do. We need you. 🖤❤️

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I really appreciate you taking the time with this piece, and for your support. It means a lot to me!

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Hey Rob thank you for sharing this experience and for the work that you do... I sit here wondering who your talking about and i picture many people i know and wonder who this might be. I can relate in so many ways and experience a myriade of the feelings you described. Lately i feel frustrated with the ongoing unmet needs and the polarization happening in this community and the city.

In my mind we (frontline worker-pwle) have some ideas of what is needed to address the issues. We need community support to work towards change. We all need to work together as a caring compassionte community and rather then against each other and point blame, until we address the stigms and the NIMBYiSM people will.not be safe and will.not have a place where they can be.

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I appreciate you taking the time to read this piece. I know you understand! Also, I haven't heard the term "Front Line Worker - PWLE." I really like it!

You're right: we need to work together as a community. Compassionate communication between everyone involved in these issues, as well as holding space to simply listen to each others concerns would help a lot. Unfortunately, we don't often do that.

Thank you for what you do for this community!

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