From The Lips And Thoughts Of An Advocate: What We Want To Say by Dawn

From The Lips And Thoughts Of An Advocate: What We Want To Say


As advocates, we hear and see a lot of heavy and beyond painful stuff. This is on top of the stuff we deal with in our day-to-day lives. Recently, I've heard a lot of heartbreaking and gut-wrenching stories, desperate pleas for help, and so much more from people. I've heard a lot in my 2 almost 3 years as a disability rights advocate. From the person whose worried because their Medicaid is at risk because of redeterminations being done during Appendix K. unwinding, to the person whose in desperate need of care providers, and everything in between. Sometimes after a day of conference calls, meetings, phone calls, etc, it weighs on us. For me, sometimes, it brings me to tears, makes me angry, and it makes my heart ache, squeeze, and break. That's putting it mildly! Especially when you hear and see the callousness, and the unwillingness to help or care, and so much more, including the inability to fix it on a call, or meeting. At night, when I go to sleep, it all weighs on my mind and heart, and, there's no off switch. So, I bury myself in work, listen to music, or do any other number of things to distract myself. Maybe I'll talk to someone about it, but, oftentimes,  Then, I get up and go back into the trenches the next day. But, there's so much I want to say, and, so much I wish I could do. So, I dedicate this piece to everyone needing help, everyone whose story I heard, whether it was theirs or their child's or family member's story, and everyone I've helped, and wish I could or could've helped, or done more for. This is what I want you all to know.

I want you to know that your story, situation, etc, will stick with me. I'll never forget your name, voice, story, situation, outcome, etc. It replays in my head every day, on loop. I hear your pain, desperation, and so much more, even after the day is done, the call is over, etc. Each story, call, or whatever it is, leaves a mark. One that won't go away, and that I won't forget.

I want you to know that you're not just another case, at least not to me. You have a name, a life, a unique story, and set of circumstances, and so much more. I don't and will never treat anyone as "just a case" I'll go above and beyond the call of duty. I will take your story, situation, circumstances, and everything else into account when looking for resources, or referring you to agencies or organizations. I won't just refer you to anyone or anywhere. I'll either refer you to agencies/organizations I trust, or that I have contacts in. I'll only refer you to people that I trust, and know will do right by you. Not only that, but, I'll keep an eye on you. Whether that means reaching out to follow up, or, just listening, or, even asking someone I know that will have a connection. I will sit on the phone with you as you make the calls, or I'll make the first call, and sit on the phone with you. I will even work in off-hours, and/or weekends to help find resources, or whatever.
If there's an issue, I want to hear about it, because, I want to and will do my best to get it resolved. I will celebrate your highs, victories, and more good things and happenings with and for you. However, I will also give you my ear to listen, and my shoulder to cry when you're at your lowest, have hit rock bottom.

Can every situation be fixed on a conference call, or meeting? No, and, I'll be the first to accknowledge that. But, please know that I want to follow up with you afterward, and do what I can. But, also know that I'm sending tons of empathy, sympay, compassion, hugs, and so much more your way.

There's so much more I want to say, and, I might consider elaborating on it, and writing another post about this. However, I want to hear from you! What would you want to say?