TOO CLOSE TO HEAVEN

Recently I had a big job to do at a Care Centre for juveniles, adults as well as
older people with mental problems and/or disorders.
The reason for writing this post has nothing to do with the job I did,
but everything with a young woman I already met in my
first week of that job. A patient.
For the sake of her privacy I will not get into every single detail.
Also I won't tell you her real name, but use one that I made up for this post.
I will call her Leah.

Leah is a very intelligent young woman who graduated at University.
She's tiny and slim-built but nevertheless not bad looking.
Before you'll think otherwise: I'm not in love with her and she's not in love with me.
We became just good friends.

When we first met during one of my coffee breaks she was rather reticent.
Not shy, not introverted, just "feel out the situation".
Me, I'm rather outgoing and if possible, always trying to make jokes.
I like to laugh, but especially to make people laugh.

Leah hadn't laughed for quite a long time she told me.
Without forcing I asked her why that was ofcourse.
She instantly stood up, went back to her room, leaving me with:
'It's a long story, I don't wanna talk about it
and certainly not with someone I hardly know'.
I understood that message, but didn't take it bad.
I just continued my small jokes and remarks the next days when I saw her.


Leah started to laugh more and more.
She has a great smile.

A week later I had to go to the main building of the complex.
I needed some keys that gave me acces to rooms and compartments
that have to stay closed and locked at all times.
Entering the building I saw Leah sitting near the reception.
'You're a long way from home', I said.
She smiled and said she was a bit too early for an appointment she had.
'Gonna tell them your final offer for that hostile takeover
of the complex you had planned?'
An even bigger smile.

I decided to take a short break and sat down next to her.
'I'm sorry for reacting a bit bitchy last week
but I've got a lot on my mind'.
Almost out of nothing she started telling me what has happened to her.
(Like I already said above, I will not get into details)
It started when she was about 17 years old ... hearing "voices".
First harmless and later on more and more scary.
She searched for psychiatric help and got it,
as well as medication to suppress it.
It seemed to be under control for more than 10 years.
But it came back, and worse than ever.
She had to commit suicide or else the "voices" would kill her parents.
At one moment she got stuck in a permanent psychosis.
She "decided" to jump of a high building,
being convinced, this way she could save her parents.
She had broken and/or crushed almost every bone in her lower body,
but amazingly survived, and no braindamage.
She has had several surgical restorations but they can't do it all at once.
So for the last couple of years she's living either in the Care centre
or being in a hospital.
I was totally confused (and that's an understatement) hearing this all.
It kept me busy the rest of the day.

Leah is fine now, she's stable.
I got to know her better the remaining time I worked there
Can't tell you her motto, but let me tell you ...
She's a fighter, a go-getter, a trouper!
Soon she will have another surgery

On my last day working there I gave her my phone number
to call me for a day out together, after her recovery.
She smiled as I have never seen her doing before.


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Below you'll find a video of the (of origin) Irish band The Waterboys.
The song is called 'Too close to Heaven'.
Listen to the (to my opinion) special singing of Mike Scott,
and the, at several moments brilliant instrumental play of
electric violin and saxophone.
But especially the "touching" (included) lyrics and singing of the
last 3 minutes and you understand maybe why I chose to post
this song with the story I told you above.

Besides singer/songwriter and founder of the band, Mike Scott is also a poet.
Not only do I love this song very much,
I also want to dedicate it to Leah and let her know:
'if I can be of help in any way tomorrow or some day in the future,
you have my number, you only have to call girl'.


+++

Recover and get well Leah.
And when we meet again ... Smile for me baby!