My life began at 40
The other day, as my daughters were getting ready to leave my house and return to their father’s, I tried to guilt them into doing their chores. “I did a …
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Stories Of Hope
Welcome to Stories of Hope, a virtual place where you’ll find stories of hope and recovery written by Pittsburgh Mercy colleagues, persons and families we serve, and invited guests. It’s also a place where you can learn more about how Pittsburgh Mercy is innovating, creating best practices, and redefining person-centered care. It’s our hope that these stories will help to educate, inform, and inspire you to live well in the community.
The spirit of hope
In late 2000, I was introduced to a cute little 5-year-old boy by the name of Ryan. He was full of energy and had a smile that melted the hearts …
Read MoreSeven sisters, seven values, seven words
On September 24, colleagues throughout Pittsburgh Mercy celebrate Mercy Day, the feast day of Our Lady of Mercy for whom the religious congregation of the Sisters of Mercy is named …
Read MoreWhy we walk
What does it feel like to be clean and sober for 32 years? To be so far away from those dreary and dark days when I almost wished life would …
Read MoreCycling to well-being
Most Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m., weather permitting, an informal group of Pittsburgh Mercy colleagues and friends who enjoy recreational bicycling gather in the parking lot at 1200 Reedsdale Street on …
Read MoreHelp – and hope – for grandparents raising grandchildren
Due to the increasing opioid epidemic in the United States, more grandparents are raising their grandchildren – some while living with the trauma associated with their child’s addiction. Not only …
Read MoreA garden of hope & recovery
At Pittsburgh Mercy’s Glen Hazel Extended Acute Care (EAC) Facility, a mental health residential program for adults who need additional supports, hope and recovery are being experienced by combining traditional …
Read MoreFinding healing & hope following sexual violence
Dear Fellow Survivor of Sexual Violence: There are so many things I want to tell you. Most are easier said than done. Please know that with everything I say, some …
Read MoreHappy Father’s Day, Pops!
Dear Dad, I’m writing this brief letter to you because I know how important time has always been to you. I’m aware that you taught yourself to read and write, …
Read MoreLife before, during, and after trauma
Lately, we’ve heard the words “trauma,” “victim,” and “survivor.” The phrases “person who has or has been diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)” and “the need to become more trauma-informed” …
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