The Loss of a Hidden Treasure
Lucy
As so many readers, friends, and residents of Barrie now know; on Friday, September 5, 2014, our City lost one of its hidden treasures- Lucy. The community response to the sudden and avoidable loss of such a kind and gentle soul has been both surprising, and heartwarming.
By Monday morning, the City of Barrie awoke to a spontaneous Street Memorial created under the TD bank on Collier Street, where Lucy last called ‘home’. The connecting sidewalks and alleyways were adorned in chalk hearts, messages of condolences; and, etched upon the narrow alley walls on what was affectionately known as ‘Lucys Lane’, were mantras of hope, love, and compassion- calling out for empathy and change.
At the young age of 45, the cause of death was deemed ‘natural causes’. And, there was little that could have prepared those who knew and loved Lucy, for this seemingly unreal loss. Life on the streets is incredibly tough, even with access to community support services, and it takes its toll on even the healthiest of bodies and minds.
Though it was unlike Lucy to ask for anything from anyone; family, friends, strangers, and local support services such as the David Busby Centre, Barrie Police, and the Canadian Mental Health Association gave their help continually, and on many different levels, throughout Lucy’s journey here in Barrie.
Respect for Lucy
We have learned since her passing that, tragically, Lucy felt that she could not accept help for housing after discouraging past experiences. But public comments posted to the Tuesday online article "Homeless woman's death strikes a chord in Barrie", by Cheryl Browne of the Barrie Examiner, prompted a cousin of Lucy’s to respond in defense of their family.
Sandra wrote:
"Lucy was offered a lot of help but chose not to take it. There is only so much you can do. She suffered from major mental illness."
Although our social media and press may lead us to believe that we are knowledgeable about mental illness and its effects and symptoms, we must resist the tendency to assume or speculate the circumstances around homelessness and mental illness. Unless we are directly involved with the individual personally, we have no foundation for making generic statements about them, or their family.
Even then, as Ally Campbell of Secondhand Sight concurs; “Mental illness can be invisible; a creeping darkness, even in the brightest souls.” Ally continues; “The beautiful tragedy about Lucy was that she never troubled anyone else, did not have drug or alcohol issues, and always kept to herself. She would open up a little amongst friends and loved ones- those who opened up to her as well. Still, there is immense sadness in knowing that we did not know, and that her life on the streets would end unresolved.”
Awareness
This is still a period of mourning for Lucy’s family, and we must be considerate and respectful of their time to grieve. It is unlikely that we will ever know the full details around Lucy’s specific situation, but we cannot fill in the missing information with hearsay.
What we can do though, is educate ourselves on these issues to form a better understanding of how to treat and respond to anyone who lives with, or suffers from, mental illness. There isn't a simple cure or method for dealing with this disease; it's personal, individual, and ranges from mild and discrete, to severe and uncontrollable; and it affects all classes, ages, and races.
The global debate over causes, treatments, and solutions will realistically continue on for many generations to come. Throughout this process though, we must keep the dialog open between the families, doctors, community groups and services, police, and policy makers to ensure that we all move forward in unison, while providing the best possible care available for anyone who lives with mental illness.
Ally assures; “The World Health Organization, The Trevor Project, To Write Love On Her Arms, the Canadian Mental Health Association, Centres for Addiction and Mental Health, and the Mental Health Helpline are all great resources for anyone looking for more information on mental illness, wellness, and education.” The websites and numbers are available at the bottom of this article.
Be The Change
By educating ourselves, and building social awareness of the conditions and complexities which make mental illness such a difficult issue to address, we can help reduce the general misconceptions and stereotyping associated with this disease. There is a community memorial being arranged through the David Busby Centre to be held on the week of September 22nd. The details will be posted here as soon as they are confirmed.
“We should be grateful that Lucy had a family that loved and cared for her dearly, as we in Barrie did and will continue to do. The effect of Lucy’s passing will leave a legacy to those of us left behind; to always love, listen, and speak up.” Ally expresses. “Reach out. Be part of the revolution for change. For hope. For Lucy.”
In closing, Sandra shared her appreciation to those who did care for Lucy:
“Thanks to all who helped her while she was homeless outside the TD bank. May my cousin rest in peace.
Love you cuz.”
Video walk-through of the Street Memorial to Lucy:
Online Help & Information Resources:
The World Health Organization: http://www.who.int/en/
The Trevor Project: http://www.thetrevorproject.org/
To Write Love On Her Arms: http://twloha.com/
The Canadian Mental Health Association: http://www.cmha.ca/branch_locations/simcoe-county-branch/
Centres for Addiction and Mental Health: http://www.camh.ca/en/hospital/Pages/home.aspx
The Mental Health Helpline: http://www.mentalhealthhelpline.ca/