Comments on: Rhonda: the addict

By: Britton Minor

Britton Minor — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 16:34:57 +0000

In response to Gail: I read this twice, looking for the irony and found none–so I have to wonder if her “you should have” attitude is simply one of always giving to others despite the cost or circumstances, and/or an example of someone who has inadequate boundaries. In the past, my own boundary-less altruism has gotten me into situations that either took me away from my own family, or could have turned bad in a heartbeat, so I am especially sensitive to this topic. I am reminded of the mantra, “A crisis on your part does not constitute an emergency on mine.” As sad and seemingly desperate as this woman’s situation was, you “helping” her would not have been the catalyst for change. What, for example, would you have been expected to do next if you would have “phoned home” and found out that Rhonda was not all right?

By: Gail-Tzipporah Saunders

Gail-Tzipporah Saunders — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 01:21:39 +0000

Your genuine concern for this woman is under-whelming. You should have at least taken her phone number, or gotten it from the school and called her at home to see if she was alright. Or you should have driven her home yourself and paid your sitter overtime. I never would have passed off a sick person to a near stranger then basked in self-congratulations because things could have turned foul just as easily.

By: John McCarty

John McCarty — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 13:21:00 +0000

Being a professor must sometimes be like being a therapist. I enjoyed reading this and hope that Rhonda will stay clean and live happily ever after but the harsh reality is that she may not and the average addict will relapse nine times before hitting rock bottom. This could take years or even a life time. Passing her off in my opinion was the only choice. The decision to get clean wil be on her watch and nobody else. I am deeply saddened by the abuse of prescription meds in this day and age and wonder how the next generations will survive this. It is destroying people and families nation wide. Sorry for the rant but great article.

By: Britton Minor

Britton Minor — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 12:36:05 +0000

Reading your posts always stirs the student in me, and now even the teacher in me (I reach a children’s writing class). I enjoy the way you reflect on your students’ unique challenges, and how hard you work to keep your boundaries in tact– despite your obvious bulging heart.