Author: dancingpalmtrees

An African/Native American Queen, Wordsmith, Photographer, Free Spirit and Teacher.

The Kindness of Strangers

On By dancingpalmtreesIn Caregivers bill, Family Medical Leave, Hakeem Jeffries, RACHEL L. SWARNS, Stephen Vincent Palmer, The Kindness of Strangers, The New York Times1 Comment

In response to The Daily Post’s writing prompt: “The Kindness of Strangers.”

The Kindness of Strangers

When was the last time a stranger did something particularly kind, generous, or selfless for you? Tell us what happened!

stephen_palmer_christmas-2013

When the New York Times did an article on my brother Stephen who has Autism and me.  We received an overwhelmingly positive response and several people actually sent donations to help us out. Some funds came via PayPal and some via the New York Times reporter who sent the check to my home. I was very touched and moved by their kindness.  Lord knows I needed the money.  Even though I work hours and hours of overtime living in an expensive city like New York can quickly and easily drain one’s finances.  I’m still very grateful for all the monetary gifts. It has been a real struggle for me to make ends meet and do those little extras that my brother Stephen enjoys.

I also appreciate the opportunity to share my story with others who will spread the word and help get the Family Medical Leave Law changed to include siblings and be Paid time off.  A couple of Saturdays ago I met with my Congressman Hakeem Jeffries and gave him a copy of the article.  Exposure is the key to changing the laws to not only help me and Stephen but for all people with developmentally disabled siblings.  Please support PAID Family Leave that includes siblings and if you are in New York city the Caregivers Bill currently before the City Council.  Thank you and God Bless.
http://nyti.ms/1BktTeP

A Mystery Wrapped in an Enigma

On By dancingpalmtreesIn 101st Airborne Division, 569th PSC, Augsburg, Ft. Campbell KY, Germany, U.S. Army8 Comments

In response to The Daily Post’s writing prompt: “A Mystery Wrapped in an Enigma.”

Tell us something most people probably don’t know about you.

That I served in the United States Army from 1977 to 1981. My units were the 569th PSC, Augsburg, Germany and 101st Airborne Division, Ft. Campbell, KY.  Did my Basic Training and AIT at Ft. Jackson, SC.

I recall about three or four years ago on or about Veterans Day I had attended Sunday church services at a local Baptist church in Jamaica, Queens when the Pastor asked all the Veterans in the congregation to stand up. Naturally I stood up and when the Pastor saw me standing he seemed rather shocked and surprised saying We have one woman Veteran.  I guess Women Veterans are still invisible even though we have been serving our country since it’s inception. I sincerely wish Women Veterans were given more recognition in America by our places of worship, better services for Women Vets from the VA and by society in general.

1978 Augsburg, Germany
1978 Augsburg, Germany
Deborah Ann Palmer U.S. Army 1977-1981
Deborah Ann Palmer
U.S. Army 1977-1981

Whoa! It’s William Henry Halstead

On By dancingpalmtreesIn 29th Ct. Colored Regiment, Civil War, Prompt Stomp, William Henry Halstead7 Comments

https://jennifernicholewells.com/2016/10/03/jnws-halloween-challenge-spooky/

In response to The Daily Post’s writing prompt: “Whoa!.”

What’s the most surreal experience you’ve ever had?

  • Do you have a spooky or haunting story about your family or ancestry?

Prompt Stomp

https://themomhood.wordpress.com/2015/10/17/prompt-stomp-week-3/

William H. Halstead name as inscribed on the Colored Soldiers Monument in Washington, DC
William H. Halstead name as inscribed on the Colored Soldiers Monument in Washington, DC
William Henry Halstead Headstone ~ Sleepy Hollow
William Henry Halstead Headstone ~ Sleepy Hollow

About two years ago the museum where I work had a Civil War Photography special exhibit.

I was posted in the Civil War photography exhibit at the museum. My Great, Great Grandfather William Henry Halstead fought in the Civil War. There was a steady stream of visitors but everyone was quiet, calm, serious, deeply affected by what they were seeing. During the course of the day as I walked through the photographs taking everything in it was like I began to see through the eyes of my Great, Great Grandfather. I could hear the sounds of battle, the screams of pain from injured soldiers, feel his adrenaline and fear as he surged forth with his 29th CT. Colored Regiment brothers. All I can say it was like I was in his head. I had to make an effort to turn off so I could finish my day without freaking out. Even now I feel he is still with me even I never met him. Maybe this is genetic memory. All the memories of our ancestors stay with us though we are separated by time and generations. As a writer it gives a different aspect and flavor to my writing but it is a very strange sensation.

Mind Altering Drugs

On By dancingpalmtreesIn Uncategorized9 Comments

Recently after a stay at Kings County Hospital in Brooklyn where they prescribed me Haldol, Effexor, and finally Venlafaxine which caused suicidal thoughts and panic attacks. I stopped taking all three. Psychiatrists and psychologists are just Legal Drug Pushers who are supplied by Big Pharma. They get pay-offs and kickbacks to use patients as guinea pigs. So-called medical professionals label you with diseases you don’t have just so they can experiment on you! Beware!!

newsfortherevolution's avatarNews for the Revolution

By Peter Vlemmix
Global Research, June 29, 2015
Peter Vlemmix, June 20, 2015

We fight a continuous war to prevent people taking illegal mind altering drugs for pleasure or sorrow, it’s called the war on drugs. 

Yet we use society’s most respected professionals –namely medical doctors and pharmacists– to hand out legal mind altering drugs, which have devastating consequences on people’s health.

You are made to believe that Big Pharma is interested in your health, but in practice it is a lethal profit making machine.

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