Articles written by Galen Gregory

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About me - Galen Gregory

I am a native Texan who has always enjoyed writing. I have a BA in History from Rice University and a Master of Occupational Therapy degree from Texas Woman's University. Unfortunately I didn't have much time to pursue my interest in writing while I was raising

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Creative Writing > Poetry Poetry: Madness: 12 of 183

Seasons of madness His reality shattered on a night in July. From the tenth floor window of the psych ER, I watched an approaching storm in the distance. The lightning illuminated his visions, And the tumbling rumbling of the thunder Could not drown out the threatening voices. The heat was as oppressive as my despair. One da...
Health & Fitness > Mental Health (Other) Living with someone with schizophrenia: 1 of 12

What is it like to live with someone who has schizophrenia? There are 2.4 million people with schizophrenia in the US.; undoubtedly there are 2.4 million stories about how this disorder affects their families. All I can do is tell my story and hope that it conveys an idea of schizophrenia's impact on a family. My point of vi...
Parenting & Pregnancy > Special Needs Parenting a handicapped child: 1 of 8

As an adoptive parent to several children with disabilities and as a pediatric occupational therapist, I would like to offer some tips to parents of children with disabilities. They are gleaned from my own successes and mistakes, as well as the various parenting styles I have observed in my work. 1. Don't be afraid of labels...
Creative Writing > Poetry Poetry: Death of a loved one: 110 of 562

Saying Goodbye Behind drawn curtains, In muted light, I came to say goodbye. The nurse, with respect, Makes ready, Then gently leads me in. The dreaded moment, Feared since childhood, Has gripped my life tonight. Both pained and peaceful, The mask of death Sears its image in my soul. Numbness gives way to grief, Despair, reg...
Pets & Animals > Animal Rescue & Adoption Acquiring dogs: Adopt or purchase: 4 of 20

Choosing to adopt a dog from an animal shelter is something I feel very strongly about. In the past I did buy purebred, registered dogs from small, family breeders. But in the last 5 years or so, I found my newest four-legged family members from shelters, and I now know that I will always go to a shelter to find any future f...
Health & Fitness > Mental Health (Other) Schizophrenia treatment: 1 of 4

Schizophrenia is a severe brain disorder which affects one percent of people in the United States. It is a chronic condition with a typical onset in the late teens or 20s for men and in the 20s to 30s for women. It is thought to result from a chemical imbalance of the neurotransmitters dopamine and glutamate in the brain. Th...
Pets & Animals > Dog Breeds Dog breed facts: Walker Hound: 1 of 4

The United Kennel Club (UKC), which registers purebred "performance" dogs, lists the Treeing Walker Coonhound as its most popular breed. As an owner of a Walker hound, I must admit I was more than a bit surprised by this fact. Everytime I take my beautiful Walker to the dog park, I hear a dozen folks comment, "That's the big...
Creative Writing > Poetry Poetry: Religious: 53 of 167

I hold warm memories of faith, But not faith itself. The music still moves me to tears. Stirring songs and poetry, Parables and epistles, The words so familiar, Stand like markers on the path To what is good and right. Symbols so profound silently Proclaim the mysteries of faith: Savior in a humble manger, Palm branches of g...
Politics, News & Issues > Justice System The state should force the mentally ill into treatment even if they are not an "imminent threat" to themselves or others: 2 of 6

After much thought, I came down on the "agree" side of this issue, but only with conditions. I think that the present laws requiring a determination that the mentally ill person is an "imminent" danger to himself or others are too narrow and restrictive in their interpretation. There are many people with severe mental illnes...
Personal Finance > Smart Spending How to reduce your medical bills: 1 of 3

The burden of rising health care costs on family budgets is a worry in many American households. Most experts believe that there will be no real relief from this burden until we enact major health care reform in this country. But what can we do in the meantime to reduce our medical bills? Even if you're fortunate enough to h...