There were many inspirational moments at the 4th Annual Philadelphia Trauma Conference this past weekend sponsored by Thomas Jefferson University. We learned some great ideas for understanding trauma and helping those heal who have been trauma-impacted. Part of the most recognized aspects of healing trauma are the power of relationships and the importance of the relational environments that we set for one another.
I particularly was moved by this poem, written by William J. Crocker, that speaks powerfully to how we can create “people places” where people are cared for. Here is this short but inspirational prose.
A People Place
If this is not a place where tears are understood,
Where do I go to cry?
If this is not a place where my spirits can take wing,
Where do I go to fly?
If this is not a place where my questions can be asked,
Where do I go to seek?
If this is not a place where my feelings can be heard,
Where do I go to speak?
If this is not a place where you’ll accept me as I am,
Where can I go to be?
If this is not a place where I can try to learn and grow,
Where can I be just me?
Maybe we all should post this in our own environments to be reminded of what we need and what we can give to each other as we travel life together!
Gerry Vassar
President/CEO
