Sunday, June 11, 2006

Interesting Tidbit

I found this while poking around about Fort Worth history online:

"While browsing my 1934 City of Fort Worth Map I noted an entry, United States Government Narcotic Farm southwest of Mansfield Highway and Wichita Streets in Forest Hill. Later maps show that site to be the location of a United States Public Health Service Hospital.I have a ca 1950's postcard view of the PHS hospital complex with the caption, "Located on a 1400 acre site with more than 50 buildings." Current aerial photos seem to show similar structures there. I have these bits of general information on the original purpose: In 1929, feeling that drug addiction was primarily a medical and social problem and that treatment of addiction by incarceration in prisons was illogical, Congress passed a law establishing two United States "narcotic farms" for the confinement and treatment of persons addicted to the use of habit-forming narcotic drugs. The first of these "farms," whose name was later changed to U.S. Public Health Service Hospital, was built at Lexington, Kentucky, and opened to patients in 1935. The second was established at Forth Worth, Texas, and was opened in 1938. The goal of the facilities was to use vocational and psychiatric therapy. The Lexington, KY facility was for all males east of the Mississippi River and all females nationally. The Fort Worth facility was for all males west of the Mississippi River."
"I did some digging and found that the facility is known as the Federal Medical Center, Fort Worth. It is classed as a male administrative facility and also has a hospice for terminally ill patients. You may recall that Whitewater Jim McDougal died there.There is also a Federal Medical Center at Carswell for females.Check the online aerial photo maps and you can see how extensive the campus is. "

WOW - I thought that was interesting - I've never heard the history of that. I knew there was a federal medical center over ther by TCC South Campus - knew that Al Lipscomb - the old Dallas dude that got in trouble - was over there for a while. I just never knew about the narcotics farm deal. Interesting.

Seems like locking up addicts would be a good thing to get them out of their addiction (or making them go crazy during detox) but apparently drugs are easy to find in prison. Curious world we live in, isn't it?

Friday, June 09, 2006

Perspective

Mark and Jodi are incredible people. I am so sad about Mark's accident but I feel like I've seen the face of God in them as they face this challenge with the most amazing faith. They have given me a much-needed perpective on some things in my life. I am so glad I know this amazing Christ-like family and I hope that you know them too.

And on a lighter note...

10 Reasons I like Jodi C:

1. She's got the cutest girls around!
2. She's friends with Julie R. - which automatically gives her more cool points.
3. She has good hair.
4. Her husband has good hair. When you think YELLOW...think MARK!
5. She can almost name all 50 states.
6. She makes really great cobbler - but everyone thinks it's my recipe!
7. Her girls entertain me on Sundays when I should be listening to the sermon.
8. She's a super duper Mommy!
9. She's just about the tiniest thing I have ever seen.
10. She's a COMMITTEE member!

I love ya, Jodi! Take care of that hubby! Thanks for making my life better!

Saturday, June 03, 2006

The Silver Lining is not very shiny

Have you ever wondered, when you are in the middle of something terribly rotten, if you were put into this situation just so you'll be more sympathetic to others going through it? Maybe it's just an attempt to find good in the middle of something terrible, but the silver lining is rather tarnished. I've heard people who have improved their health greatly say things like "I never knew how bad I felt until I felt good." I think the other side of the coin is "I never knew how good I felt until I felt bad." If you are reading this and feeling good, thank the good Lord above for his blessings on your health, because some day you will feel bad and you'll regret not appreciating good health while you had it. Breathe in....breathe out...Wax on....Wax off....