Them There Papers__Time

Jun8 by Linda Ballard

Where have you been Ms. Linda? Chilling and watching the rain. I hadn’t forgotten about you, Ms. Tracey. I have been doing a lot of reading and writing. The rain puts me in a special place to reflect and share some powerful life learned lessons. Well, Ms. Linda, I’m glad you are in a peaceful place. Would you like to blow the wind of positive thoughts my way? I can use some help because Momma D is very ill. Our family is coming apart at the seams. Everyone is holding on to the matriarch of the family. Momma D is the gorilla glue in our lives. How old is Delores? She is 89 years old. I know you guys are very close. Did Delores share her wishes with you before she became bedridden? She did. What seems to the be the problem? I don’t know if I can carry out her wishes. So you are going to carry out your wishes?

Remember Granny? Ms. Linda, I remember Granny. Who can forget Granny? She was one feisty, ballsy and I can’t say, old lady. She just seemed to evolve with time. Granny was 96 years old. Granny made sure she had Them There Papers. Them There Papers meant Do Not Resuscitate. Granny took it down to the Y. Bottom line she made it clear not to use her body as a Mexican piñata. The doctors would keep running in your room asking the family to sign all types of papers for all types of procedures until every organ in your body is dead. Granny said the doctors were crazy and would watch the numbers get better but couldn’t see the patient was dying, had lost the will to live, or dead. Granny rocked it. She made it clear. Granny said to make sure your Pull The Plug order don’t get knocked out of the box. Once you sign a paper for a procedure you are headed on the path of delaying the original order. Them folks would run in your room with the big candlesticks putting the paddle to the heart. I’m almost sure Granny said they don’t need an order for that particular procedure. Next, they will be trying to stick a tube down your throat. Before you know it you got all types of feeding tubes. Make sure you keep Them There Papers in place.

Reflecting back, Granny remembered when she went to visit her longtime friend Maxine. She thought Maxine had suffered a stroke. Maxine’s face was drooping. Granny accidentally knocked over the water picture and water splashed on Maxine’s face. Granny thought Maxine would flinch from the noise but she didn’t. Maxine’s eyes did not blink and her eyes remained in a stare. Maxine showed no reflex to block the water from her face. Granny said she pulled out a hanky and began to wipe the water away from around Maxine’s eyes. Maxine never blinked or responded to Granny voice. Granny said Maxine’s eyes reminded her of a fish. Granny notice Maxine’s neck stuck out more than normal. Granny stated she tried to push Maxine head back onto the pillow but it would not budge. Granny said she found another small pillow to stick up under Maxine’s next so she wouldn’t look so uncomfortable. The nurse came into the room and Granny asked when was the last time Maxine had eaten. The nurse dropped her head and told Granny to wait until Dr. McNair come. He would explain more about Maxine’s condition when he arrived. Really! The reality wasn’t about an explanation but more about acceptance. Maxine was such a health nut. Granny would say she would eat the paste/yogurt because Maxine always got on to her about having good gut bacteria in the stomach. Maxine explained not having a good gut could lead to bowel death. Bertha was Maxine’s mother. I remember the night Maxine call Granny. She was crying and told Granny BeBe could not eat. BeBe loved to eat. The doctors came into the room and explain that Bertha was experiencing some stomach bleeding and could not eat. Maxine said it was TIME. Go get Them There Papers__Time to reflect on Time. Granny notice as she waited at the edge of the bed a strange sound was coming from Maxine’s throat. It didn’t sound like breathing but more like a low animal sound or the hum of a small engine. Granny said she thought she would have noticed this sound before but the TV was on, not to mention the fact she had spilled water all over Maxine and there was no response. Maxine made it clear, as the saying goes today, if she could not be all up in your business it was her TIME. Granny said as nosey as Maxine was she had a good heart and love interacting with people. From the looks of things, there was no interaction.

Now, Mrs. Tracy, it is TIME to reflect on Delores life. What did she want? What did she want you to do if she could no longer do the things that brought quality to her life? Are you trying to live out Delores’s Life? Are you trying to ease the pain of your life while Delores suffer? Look at all the quality of life Delores gave to your family and everyone that surrounded her. You got a scratch sheet of paper. Let’s make a quick acronym of TIME.

T-Take nothing and no one for granted

I-Include people in our lives and make a positive impact

M-Memories we share will strengthen the glue for one to move forward

E-Enlighten an enrich the lives you surround and the impression in the sand of your footprint will burn like an eternal flame.

Granny taught me that Do Not Resuscitate takes the same form in life as it would in Death. Never go to anyone that will not bring quality to your life and extend your TIME. If at all possible try not to include people in your life who can not make a positive impact. If you are experiencing poor images or painful memories don’t close your eyes but open your eyes and pay attention so you can find a solution to eradicate the problem. If you are surrounded by people who cannot enlighten are enrich your life forget about the footprints in the sand. The Eternal Flame is out and the lessons will be lost.

Are you ready Mrs. Tracy? Give me a big hug and call me. The question will arise. Is there anything else that I could have done? What did Delores want? Whose final wishes are you carrying out? Don’t forget you have Them There Papers__Time to say goodbye to yesterday. Mrs. Tracy, I would like to share a YOUTUBE moment. One of my favorite songs is Boyz II Men, It’s So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday.

Mommie Dearest___The Elevator

May11 by Linda Ballard

What a day! The time just seems to fly. Visiting with old friends and sharing all those wonderful Mother’s Day story was so much fun. Bernice’s story really made me come away with a different perspective. I was scared she was going to do it. Do what! You know the thing with the elevator. Did that really bother you? Yes, it did. Girl, when I made a reservation I wanted to make sure we did not have to go up to some sky-scraper restaurant and use an elevator. So how many places did you call? I only called 42 restaurants. Get out of here! What made you change your mind? I was curious to see if she would do it after all of these years had passed. Were you disappointed when Bernice got on the elevator and didn’t do her spill? Part of me felt relieved and the other part of me felt as though Bernice had let go of some really dark secret in her life. It just always bothered me because she has never uttered one word.

So What did you think? I will never forget the life lesson she taught me on this Mother’s Day. It drove me nuts when Bernice would get on the elevator and face the opposite way. All I could think of was being stampeded by the people on the elevator for thinking we had a nutcase with us. No matter where we would go she always finds a store or building with an elevator. Here comes her cheerleader always encouraging Bernice to do her “thang.” You would get on the elevator and act like it was a normal day in the neighborhood and the queen had her clothes on. This where I wanted to pull out the Comet Can and get the Wire Hangers and spank you and Bernice A… For some reason the people on the elevator never seem to get indignant. What’s Up with that? You are so good at imitating Bernice. Do it! Go ahead and Do It. Okay, if you insist. Hel….looo! Hel…looo! I’m Bernice but you can call me Bern. I’m just here checking out your eyes, mouths and whatever you got to remind me of myself and family. You sound so much like her. After all this time it all makes sense.

I saw Bernice grab your hand as she got on the elevator. It felt as though she was my daughter and we were having our first Mother’s Day Dinner together. All through the dinner, she didn’t have much to say. She had a lot on her mind. After we left the restaurant and got back on the elevator she grabs my hand again. She laid her head on my shoulders. What was going on inside of your head? I felt as though I needed to protect her. Once we got to Justine house Bernice leaned over and ask me could she sit next to me. It was fine with me. I did not want you to feel left out. Hey! I was always cool with you and Bernice relationship. I felt we were the 3 musketeers and could conquer all together, “One for all and all for one.” Relationships get messed when one person in the group began to act as though they need all the attention. Here we go with the I Nucleus Factor. Everything is centered around me. I control everything and everybody. I take all the credit. Some people have some of these characters and traits or all of them. WHEW! Our friendship lasted all these years because we gave credit where credit was due. It’s always enough love to go around.

After everyone told their Mother’s Day story with the exception of Bernice, Justine brought out those famous cinnamon rolls packed with much love. Justine can throw down when it comes to cooking. That is Bernice favorite dessert. Hey! Did you call ahead and ask Justine to cook those rolls for Bernice. Yes, I thought it would help her get through her story. All 8 of us (me, Justine, Bev-lo, Bernice, Avis, Paula, Gina and you Melody) are looking like the Boo-Hoo sisters. Bernice cleared her throat and proceeded to tell her story. She turned her body toward Melody and her eye contact put Melody’s face in a vice grip. This would be the first Time the crew would learn Bernice tried to take her life as a child.

Bernice told of the day she was cleaning out the attic and she ran across some old newspapers. Underneath were adoption papers. She said she freaked out and went downstairs and start attacking everyone about how the family had all lied to her. Bernice couldn’t think about all the sacrifices her parents went through for her. She ran from the house and no one heard from her for hours. When Bernice was found she was in an elevator with her wrist slit. My family got the called around 4:30 p.m. We all rushed over to Barnes Hospital to see what was Bernice condition. It was hard for me to think about killing myself but I was not in Bernice shoes. At the Time both Bernice and I was only 13 years old. I was so glad and thankful for my parents. Hey! I thought parents were parents no matter where they came from. When it was my turn to go in to see Bernice I had never seen so much machinery and tubing in my life. I was so scared. All I could think about was How Could I Ease The Pain. That is one of my favorite records by Lisa Fisher. I have never prayed so hard in my life. Bernice looked like a little gray ghost and her arms were bruised from where the nurse had tried to find her veins. My parents were comforting the Davis family and I felt emotionally drained. It seemed too much to comprehend as I listen to Bernice tell what happened.

Bernice said the only thing she remembered is running and running. She didn’t remember stopping off getting any blades to hurt herself. She ran into an elevator and backed into a corner and the lights went out. It was hard for me to hold back the tears. Bernice said that morning she felt as though she was at the top of her game. Her favorite place in the house was the attic. She felt untouchable in her make-believe castle. Bernice curious mind leads her to open this big old trunk with dragons layered on the front and back side. The trunk’s top was so heavy she found a rod to prop the lid up. As she began to dig there was a small jade box underneath the papers. When she opened the box and unfolded the papers. She became unglued. This couldn’t be true. Bernice felt shafted. From the top of the attic to rock bottom, the elevator came crashing down fast. She doesn’t remember having the blowout with her family. Anger can really do a lot of damage and thinking straight will not happen. Suicide is not the answer. Opening up about her attempt to commit suicide was a big leap. Something happened in her life that made her realize she could lose the most important people she loves.

All I wanted was for Bernice to heal but I knew it would take a long time. It was Time for me to go in search of a support team. I was on a mad search for some really good peer buddies that could help Bernice get through her crisis. Bernice anger isolated me but I had to give her some space to process what had happened. It took little brother Bobby getting hit by a car to snap her out of her I Nucleus World. Bobby got banged up pretty bad. His legs had gotten crushed and he suffered severe spinal injuries. Bobby would never walk again. Bernice began to focus on Bobby’s care and I could see her getting back on the elevator on her way to the top. That is how Avis, Paula, Bev-lo, Justine, Gina, me and you Melody came together. Bernice really took to Melody. It was all good!

Man, a lot of years have passed. Our crew got through it. We all have witnessed births, marriages, graduations, divorces, deaths all sort of life skills lesson. Do you know anyone that has perfected the lesson of life skills? No! These lessons are not to be perfect. You can become very skilled, knowledgeable, or an expert in your field. They can become your greatest strengths and achievements. Look at Bernice accomplishments. She is a renown Psychologist and looks what we would have missed in our lives if she had been successful the day she attempted suicide. Look at all the people she has helped take the elevator ride to the top.

We all shared a common denominator. Some of the crew shared more. We all had adopted parents. Bernice clinched Melody’s hand tighter. “Are you ready to take the elevator ride to the top?” Melody all teared up and the rest of the crew breaking down. Bernice asks Melody, “Will you marry me?” I pulled out my comet can along with my wire hanger and began to tap them lightly. It took you guys forever. Jaron is Melody’s son from a previous marriage. Melody found out she couldn’t have any children and Jaron was adopted. Melody’s husband wanted his own kids. Whatever the hell that means. Mr. I Nucleus Factor never excepted Jaron as his child. Jaron is crazy about Bernice. This kid is so fortunate. Jaron will have a wonderful set of parents. Are you ready to take the elevator ride to the top? Do not let your elevator crash to the bottom by not evolving and appreciating other people lifestyles. Of course, you know where the wedding will take place. 🙂

Self-Talk___Say It Out Loud!

Apr27 by Linda Ballard

What happens when you dish out those F’s? Do you have knobs on your mirror? Baby get ready because the dirt is about to fly in your face. If you throw shades on a low-grade get ready to duck your head. I looked into the square box. There were some words that didn’t describe me at all. What was my reaction? I threw my head back and laughed. It gets better. I recalled a song recorded by Christopher Williams that was perfect for my internal hard drive. Are you ready for the YOUTUBE MOMENT? Hit It! I Talk To Myself when there ain’t no one to talk to. People ask me why I do what I do. Hell! It is a strategy for keeping your self-esteem intact when the haters pour on the hot wax. Bottom line, just remembers when you KNOW you have certain strengths and somebody send you an email, fax, text, FACEBOOK, and state those skills are nonexistence within you, this is what you tell them. Better yet, go the butt-naked mile and show them. I think the public use the word transparency.

In the morning when I arise there are moments in my life that I don’t like myself and I disagree with my thought processing. So when another person crosses my path and tell me they don’t like me or disagree with me I am ever so cool with that. I think they are right on target. I am not tripping off of what they think about me. Developing a strategy to put me back in circulation without being down on myself is ever so important. There is nothing wrong with talking to yourself. As long as you are giving yourself positive feedback about what you can achieve. Even when you fail to give yourself positive credit for trying the task. Words such as stupid, dumb, and especially the word retarded should not be in one’s vocabulary. We will leave Anne Coulter with the word “retarded.” It is one of her favorite words to call people. Who is Anne Coulter? Every minute of a person breath counts. I won’t waste my breath.

Talking to oneself is a tool for loneliness and can help you tighten up loose ends on your decision. Come along with me and sing The Staple Singers, Respect Yourself. It is Time to bellow out some positive self-talking dialogue. We can sing through the dialogue with Michael Jackson’s, “I’m Bad.” Are you ready to Ease On Down The Road with Stephanie Mills and listen to some motivational tapes by Tony Robbins or Les Brown? Go treat yourself to a psychological sit in with Dr. Phil or a medical spinoff with Dr. Oz. When you gather up the strength to reject that whirlwind shopping spree or turn down that molting triple chocolate cupcake lace with homemade vanilla ice cream go on the VOICE and sing with Bon Jovi, Hallelujah, or an updated version of Hallelujah with Susan Boyle. Take a deep breath and exhale with BabyFace singing this is For The Cool In You. Every small accomplishment carries its weight in gold and needs to be acknowledged. For one person it may be tying their shoe and for another person, it may be brushing their teeth. It is an achievement and it is all good. Can you say it with me? “It is all Good.” You don’t need to tip-toe through the tulips. Go ahead and get your sprint on. You Can Say It To Yourself Or Out Loud! Self-talk is cool. Going after the pros and cons in the mooch-o grande decision helps bring clarity to your choice. You are listening to your external hard drive and can hear what may be the best decision for you. YE-AH!

Well, You know it makes me want to shout, kick my heels up, throw my hands up, throw my head back. Come on now! Don’t forget to say you will. Those of you who have problems with your attention span can reel in your emotions, strengthen your communication, focus on your mental processing. For Real! For Real! You are not crazy. Unless you found some way to separate yourself from yourself you will be living with yourself when everyone else splits the scene. Mavis Staple has started singing “Respect Yourself ” again. Put A Little Love In Your Heart and Talk To Yourself when there is no one else to talk to. People try to bring you down. Worst of all, most people don’t need other people to bring them down because they do a good job of bringing themselves down. All negative feedback takes them clean out of the box. Turn your mirror on and adjust those knobs for some positive Mirror Radio-Hope. This is the mental Selfie uplift without the iPhone. Okay! If you find it difficult to give yourself some Radio-Hope it is TIME to get a grand guardian who will help you cheer through the tough spots.

If constant testing would have been done by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) there would not be so many people wondering why they talk to themselves out loud. NLD should have made the DSM5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manuel of Mental Disorders). Individuals who are diagnosed with NLD (Nonverbal Learning Disability) are auditory-verbal and process out loud all the time. Giving Recognition to a hidden diagnosis, NLD is a developmental disability in which individuals demonstrate a mature vocabulary, rote memory skills, and excellent reading abilities. Children/adults can have difficulty interacting with other individuals, transitioning to new settings and working new changes (teachers, peers, associates etc.) and trouble with writing/fine motor coordination. Reading skills are exemplary, abstract concepts need to be explained in detail because individuals with NLD have difficulty understanding metaphors, emotional nuances, multiple levels of meaning, and relationship issues. Descriptions of abstract concepts must be given simply and with patients. If you want to give a real Impression along with Curtis Mayfield, concrete factual information is the narrative for We’re A Winner. People with NLD are not EMOTIONALLY DISTURBED and never let anyone say boy you can’t make it because a feeble mind is in your way. No more tears do we cry because we have finally dried our eyes and we’re moving on up, moving on up. LAWD! Ham-Mercy we’re moving on up. Positively Positive!

Three areas are encompassed by NLD: Motoric (coordination), Visual-Spatial (Blind Mines Eye/can’t form visual images or gestalt impression/whole picture) and Social (English language is so abstract and have hidden meanings). Social interaction is very easily misjudged and misinterpreted. Awareness is brought to you just in case you see a person with no earplugs and no phone and talking to themselves. Don’t freak out it might just be the hidden disability with UNINTENTIONAL BEHAVIORS whom the American Psychiatric Association (APA) failed to put on THE LIST. The guy with the iPhone and the ear-plugs may not have anyone on the other end. A good strategy for fitting in and not having people stare or calling you crazy. Don’t be afraid. Go ahead and be Proud. Self-Talk__Say It Out Loud!

Raison d’être

Apr6 by Linda Ballard

It is the purpose of one’s existence.

It is the most dominant reason in one’s life.

Inhale the air of confidence.

What are you willing to sacrifice?

Awaken to hope, change and persistence.

Go in search of your destination

Continue on the path of benevolence.

Travel the journey of determination.

Bask in the sun and walk along the shores of significance.

Raging waters has made its attempt to wash away the sands of commitment.

Strike down the ordinance of arrogance and ignorance.

Diplomacy takes the lead while Trust lies dormant in the shadows with the constituent.

Perseverance presides over the house of accomplishments.

Endurance lies in the center core of one’s soul.

Application brings reality to people/group achievement.

Every second and every minute brings you closer to your goal.

Claw and scratch to your hands bleed, avowing to denounce discrimination.

Quality of life cannot be viewed through the lens of fear, pain, suffering, nor abandonment.

Consequences of the bloodshed of our children scarred and disrupted our nation.

We remained steadfast and vigilant only to be acknowledged by disparagement.

What is so important to keep one’s breath flowing?

Did you analyze every single choice?

What kept your heartbeat ticking as your mind kept going?

Existence resides here in one’s voice.

It is the purpose of one’s existence.

It is the most dominant reason in one’s life.

Death, as we know, is imminent.

Suicide carries a weighted price.

“Raison d’ être”

Walmart CEO Doug McMillon__Aka BabyFace Nelson

Mar9 by Linda Ballard

Good morning Doug McMillon! This is Linda from store #2857 in Kansas City Missouri. I read the interview CEO Inherited Big Problems. Whatever you inherited the associates/management inherited 3 times as worst. Their voices, spirits, and the ability to fight back has been stripped away. I wish Money.cnn.com had gotten in contact with me. Grading your performance would be very easy. You get an F. Why? Doug, you weren’t honest with the associates. You know Doug, it’s very troubling the associates at store #2857 hasn’t taken an interest to learn more about the company. The associates/management rights are violated on a daily basis. Through the fog, there is not one glimmer of HOPE or CHANGE. There is no OPPORTUNITY at Walmart. The biggest confusion for the associates is focusing on the money and not understanding how Walmart really works. Maybe you could give me a glimmer of HOPE and CHANGE on my belated birthday by answering some of my questions. How would you restore TRUST to the associates? Do you think the associates will be able to TRUST you when they find out your raise increased by 168%? Why were the associates hours cut? Why did the associates have to kill their overtime? What! Profit before the people. Is this the reason why Walmart remained neutral in the debate of raising the minimum wage?

Doug increase had to come first. Doug came into the company at 9.5 million dollars and his salary has skyrocketed to 25.6 million dollars. WOW! Can you explain how your money package work? The associates worked extremely hard to keep Walmart on the map. Don’t you think the associates raise should be increased to $15.00 dollars an hour? Bernie Sanders, senator from Vermont, strongly advocates for increase wages of associates to help lift Walmart associates out of the poverty level. I just wanted to let Senator Bernie Sanders know I agree with him wholeheartedly and I was paying attention. The 2% increase for the associates with the salary cap was quite disturbing. I feel the associates got milked. Why hasn’t there been a salary cap on David Glass, Lee Scott, Mike Duke, and Bill Simon Salaries? How is it possible that the 1% is rewarded for their INTENTIONAL BEHAVIORS? These guys handle the scandals, got paid, and remain on Walmart’s board. Why didn’t everyone from Walmart get a salary increase across the board? Doug McMillon did not fail to almost TRIPLE his salary but he cares about the ASSOCIATES. Who wears the face of INEQUALITY? Aka Babyface Nelson steps out on stage to appear innocent and naive knowing all along it is about POWER, CONTROL, and MONEY. Walmart brought along the face of Doug McMillon to convince the associates and the people Doug is a sheep and not a wolf dressed up in sheep clothing. Body language tells more than words. I wanted the Knights of the Round Table MSNBC to know this article is located at Money@readingeagle.com.

In Doug’s interview with CNN Money, he stated he listen to his critics Mike Duke and Lee Scott. I found the article about Mike Duke, Ex Walmart CEO’s Deferred pay: $140 million dollars quite interesting. WHOOO! I feel like I’m reading about Alphonse “Al” Capone and his strong-arm guy Frank Nitti (Francesco Raffaele Nitto). Reading about Mike Duke and Lee Scott the 1% People Behind The Walmart Empire is quite an educational moment. WOW! Lee Scott at that Time owned $200 million dollars in stock shares. In the year 2006 Lee Scott receive one of those packages that boosted his salary to $29.7 million dollars. Doug needs to explain what is inside those PACKAGES. What is wrong with the associate’s PACKAGES? Why is it always the person at the bottom who has to sacrifice so much? In 2005 Lee Scott salary was $15.7 million dollars. Lee Scott got a 100% increase the next year. Is Doug McMillon trying to become the next 140 million dollars man? What is Doug McMillon trying to learn from his critics? I guess the associates really did not get a real increase nor escape from poverty. How can Doug McMillon convince the associates he is listening to the people instead of listening to the 1% and their money? How can Doug McMillon convince the associates that Walmart works for the associates and customers?

Has the minimum wage Rolled Out an admission of guilt or shame on Walmart behalf? I never like 2% milk but WHOLE milk is fattening. The perception of low-end jobs will always remain at Walmart as long as the 1% Of Walmart’s Empire receive 100% plus in salary increases with no caps. It looks like it doesn’t matter what INTENTIONAL BEHAVIORS the 1% Force Behind Walmart’s Empire displays. Where are the OPPORTUNITIES in Walmart? Who benefits the most from Walmart’s Opportunities? Is this how the Empire Strikes Back? The salaries Doug McMillon’s crew received made me see STARS. Money matters can definitely cause WARS. All those years George Lucas was watching The Walton’s. John Boy and his brothers are now the upgraded version of the Koch Brothers. Who are the UNTOUCHABLES?

Our President had a town hall meeting. He pointed out the laws Congress would not pass to promote equality for the people. The President gave me a huge birthday president. His Selma Speech was riveting. “Don’t throw away your voice.” I will try to strike every chord. Appeasement had no place in the President decision-making process. We have a President who understands the development of cognitive abilities. The associate’s voices are in a coma. Store #2857 is in great danger. This is the next ConAgra incident waiting to happen. The Congress in this region would be Gerald Hendrickson-Market Team Manager, Patrick Shanks-Director of Operations, Delinda Davis-HR. This store is in big trouble psychologically, physically, and emotionally. Why? Randall Addison wants control over the register tape, boxes of bags at the front-end, and the toilet tissue in the bathroom. The worse message any corporation can send is you can get any employee for a dime a dozen. Randall Addison has sent the message. The associates/management is in FEAR of losing their jobs and pushed out before they can retire. The retaliation, verbal abuse, harassment, discrimination (age/race) and the excessive surveillance is blatant. Many associates have fled the store to other stores. It is TIME for their Congress to get off their A… and do something. Many complaints have been reported and their Congress has turned a blind eye. The associates/management is in FEAR of worse punishment if they step outside of Walmart and ask for help. It is Time for their Congress do their part before someone die from the stress of all the unrealistic demands made by Randall Addison, before the associates drink themselves to death, over medicate themselves or someone gets killed. I care about the associates and the customers, I am not afraid, and appeasement ain’t happening. I requested that an Independent Investigation by both Attorney Generals (Federal and State) and the Department of Labor Secretary Thomas Perez be brought in. The mental abuse the associates/management has suffered is UNBELIEVABLE! This will be the second store Randall Addison would have taken down. Stop recycling people who need to be fired. Take responsibility! What happens when the pattern of behavior doesn’t change? INTENTIONAL BEHAVIOR!

Doug McMillon had a town hall meeting. For years different teams handpick by Walmart stood by and acted just like Congress. Associates in the store lost faith in HR. Directives were followed and HR did ab-so-lute-ly nothing. They had no plan. Appeasement is the number one rule for a solution. Walmart works for Walmart and not the associates. Just like our Congress works for the 1% and NOT the people, Walmart is the 1%. Yes, I did see the Town Hall Meeting. I would like for the associates to turn their attention to the World’s High Net Worth Selfie: 1 Trillion Dollars. Look whose face is gleaming over the 257.4 Billion dollar company he runs. Doug McMillon of course! This was the net worth of Walmart in 2014. Makes your head spin. I recall Doug McMillon stated he had issues with Trust. The moderator asked questions of the Disruptive Innovators! World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2014 which can be revisited on YOUTUBE. I have issues with all the money Walmart receives and their employees got nothing but abused. I like to hold a letter town hall meeting. It is too cold in Kansas City, Missouri for outside protesting. I thought it would be innovative and sit by the computer with my favorite cup of tea. Maharaja Chai Oolong tea which is really good and protests against Walmart. Walmart the ones with Bad Business Practices and False Information. Walmart gets everything wrong about the associates and destroys the Credibility of the associated. One of Walmart strategies to get away with not paying UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS to the associates whom they fire. Constructive Discharge is the bigger picture. NOT THE MONEY but the BENEFIT. Who escape paying? Welcome To Walmart.

Will Doug McMillon ever consider cutting the big dollar salaries and bonuses off the board? This would be a way to really increase the employee’s salaries. Doug McMillon can take a lesson from Raymond Burse. This is what I call leading by example. Raymond Burse, President Of Kentucky University, Takes $90,000 Pay Cut To Give 24 Minimum Wage Workers A Wage. Just think Doug McMillon if the Empire Strike Back and start donating parts of their salary who knows it might help restore faith and hope. That’s right, Walmart foundation has a policy if you don’t like the foundation’s agenda the people behind the scene cannot be voted out. That idea might really piss your boss off and Doug may no longer be allowed on the trillion Dollar Selfie. Can CEO Doug McMillon say “Ya-Hoo-oo-oo? The same model probably would apply to their board members and management in the stores. Bottom line, there is no job creation in the world of Walmartization. Who runs a nation of privatization of schools? Walmart supports charter schools and vouchers. When Public Schools fail they are out. Private sector fails they get bailed out. What areas are always targeted? Exactly! Low-income areas are always the mark. Look what Scott Walker, governor of Wisconsin did to Wisconsin University. Scott Walker cut 300 million dollars from this public university. Scott Walker privatized K-12 educations. This undermines public education. Was this a scene taken right out of Walton’s playbook? Who contributed mega bulks to the Keystone XL Tar Sand Pipeline? Correct! The Walton’s shuffled out mega bulk to have the pipeline go through. It boils down to damaging the environment (sustainability), low-wage jobs, and undermining education through privatization. We are back to POWER, CONTROL, and MONEY. How can Doug McMillon separate himself from the ideology of WALTON’S PLAYBOOK and say he cares about the associates and the people? Are we looking at a failing Dynasty without a legacy?

Doug McMillon (CEO Walmart Inc.), Judith McKenna (Chief Operating Officer US Walmart), and Gregg Foran (President and CEO Walmart the US) you wanted to know what the associates Hear See, and Feel. The associates at store #2857 HEAR they are worthless, they can be replaced, NO ONE WILL EXCEED EXPECTATION, management vacations will be stripped away if they do not have the back room straighten out in 2 weeks, NO EXCUSES, they work too slow, constant shouting, bullying, and cursing. The associates/management SEE a store manager spiraling downward out of control, manipulative, angry, a bully, and insecure along with 2 co-managers as his watchdogs. The associates/management see themselves being ripped apart and demeaned in front of each other and customers. The associates/management can no longer believe in Walmart 3 basis beliefs when the store manager has violated every belief. The associate FEEL the hurt, pain, shame, of never being able to do enough. The appeasement has caused a mental death and a coma induced by FEAR. There is no HOPE, CHANGE, OPPORTUNITY and FUTURE in Walmart at least not at store #2857 location.

I am not the Voice of Walmart but an associate who truly cares. I have a VOICE and a CHOICE and I will not throw my VOICE away. I am not asking the associates/management to believe in me but to BELIEVE IN THEMSELVES. I understand the consequences of standing up and holding Walmart accountable. Walmart size should never matter when it comes to accountability. I have paid the price over and over again. I will continue to file with HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION whenever my rights are violated. There is a path we must all choose. My walk has brought me back home. I understand the meaning of I will cross that bridge when I get there. SELMA is the reflection of TIME to look back and move FORWARD and to continue to Hope for Change.

You’ve Given So Much

Feb23 by

I’m rocking Stevie Wonder song in my ear. The birth of this young man taught many lessons. His life and all the things defined in the life that he could not do paved the way for new choices, changes, and accommodations. Whatever was defined as his deficit gave our family a great strength to go and do research. This would help find this young man a way to navigate a path to success. Yes, it landed on our doorstep. Our family was not afraid to tackle the frustration. For some family members, there were moments of embarrassment, tears, and laughter. This was an educational moment! The greatest teaching moments of all TIMES was not to be viewed as all the things he could not do. It gave each family member the opportunity to see what they were not to take for granted and appreciate what they had the ability to do.

Coming from the Flip Side Of The Chart as the diagnosis was handed down at that very moment in TIME I realize my diagnosis was more of the killer. Cancer is a systemic disease and can spread like a wild-fire. Nonverbal Learning Disability is encompassed by social, motoric, and visual-spatial components. This is not a killer. Secondary to the initial diagnosis, anxiety, panic, stress, and depression can raise its ugly head. Don’t be afraid it is TIME to develop strategies and coping skills. The only thing which would be a killer about my son diagnosis is not knowing, not having a support system, and understanding that his behavior was UNINTENTIONAL. My son is not Emotionally Disturbed. He cannot read or understand people emotions because of impaired social interaction. This happens when he or others fail to respond to their name and often avoid eye contact with other people. He has difficulty interpreting what others are thinking and feeling because he can’t understand social cues such as facial expression, the intonation of one’s speech, body language, and he doesn’t watch others facial expression to gather social cues. His behavior would seem inappropriate because he lacks the ability to show empathy, compassion, and support. The good news is he is willing to learn. Was his behavior Intentional? No! Parents, relatives, friends, and associates need to learn and realize about people we encounter in life as awkward or may not be considered as social butterflies. The OSCARS proved that by a young man admission of feeling rejection and had attempted to take his life at the age of 16. Now it was his moment in TIME to shine. Bottom line, the opposite end of the spectrum should not judge the behaviors of others because they can choose and make the right decision. They choose to throw it all away because of selfishness and greed. Every individual does not have that choice. Neurological disorders rob many individuals of that choice.

All that Psychological jargon or babble and all it boils down to helping the individual put the pieces of the puzzle together when they don’t get the whole picture. It is making the person aware that if he sounds rude or terse point it out and helps him use more constructive words. Give the individual HOPE and let them know everyone makes mistakes. Make it clear it is not one person on this planet that knows everything or can do everything. Make it clear there are 24 hours in a day and they did not mess up all 24 hours. Whatever you do always INCLUDE the individual. Never assume the individual knows always TEACH. Life is a thread. Through the eye of the needle, our stitches must be bound tight and we must pay attention and stay focus. For those who cannot stay focus another route can be taken.

You’ve Given So Much

When he became frustrated with tying his shoes he wore slip on and velcro. It was his choice to learn to tie his shoes and he did it after 11 years. No pressure! No big deal or rush. He got sick of people saying use your imagination. We came up with the appropriate words to help people understand abstract concept needs to take shape on concrete planes. This is not Christopher Columbus you are dealing with. In today’s TIME, it would be Dora The Explorer. You are working with the ultimate construction worker who needs the concrete poured on. In today’s TIME, it is Bob The Builder. So what if you couldn’t use a mop or a bucket because it is hard for you to measure. Check out that Swifter you are slinging around like Zorro. Washing your clothes has become a breeze using those new PODs. No longer will you need liquid bleach now that they have Evolve Bleach Tablets. Man, there are so many wipes. There are furniture wipes, glass wipes, electronic wipes, and disinfectant wipes. Spray bottles would slip out of your hands. As Seen On Tv has developed so many inventions to keep you from ever using a knife because of coordination problems. It lowers the risk of you cutting yourself. The injuries had diminished since platform beds are now the trend. To make life more bearable the sofa bed and the hide-a-way sofa beds inside the chest is ever so awesome. Forget about getting frustrating because you can’t put the sheet on the bed. Who cares! Just shove that bed back down in the chest and Voila! These Chest sofa beds can be found on Amazon.com, Costco.com, Overstock.com, Tuesday Morning and HomeGoods. So we are not tripping off the fact you can’t fold your oversized comforter. Now we have throws 50×60 or 60×72. Make sure they are nice and soft if you have sensory integration issues. Those wonderful swivel chairs. Don’t forget the swinging chair from Pier One. Make sure you got your flavored tea, coffee, and scented candles ready to go. What about the sensor trash can you run your hand over or the Perfect One-Touch Tea Pot. Oh, Lawd! Otto-mation! Those oversized ottomans which are really chest and no more anger with the hangers. Just put your clothes in the chest and have an organized room. The navigation device on your iPad and all the Apps that have brought your world into clear focus. It’s all about CHANGE and the ability to make CHANGES.

You’ve Given So Much

To help me through the darkest storm.

Research and education kept me armed.

The diagnosis set off a few alarms.

Applying LOVE and UNDERSTANDING it could do no harm.

Through the lens of my eyes, I acknowledged faulty perception.

Make sure you address any type of deception.

Isolation is used for man’s transgression.

Inclusion, Strategies and Coping Skills is used for man’s progression.

Whatever was lost it can become one’s gains.

The lesson to learn is to reduce the hurt and pain.

Make changes in your life and banish the stains.

The Greatest Love Of All will always remain.

My son opened a doorway and handed me a key.

Reflecting on his life will help him be the best he can be.

It knocked on our door for us to see.

He is a masterful educator for you and me.

You’ve Given So Much

Mom and the Crew are just around the corner looking out for you.

You’ve Given So Much

Feb23 by Linda Ballard

You’ve Given So Much

To help me through the darkest storm.

Research and education kept me armed.

The diagnosis set off a few alarms.

Applying LOVE and UNDERSTANDING it could do no harm.

Through the lens of my eyes, I acknowledged faulty perception.

Make sure you address any type of deception.

Isolation is used for man’s transgression.

Inclusion, Strategies and Coping Skills is used for man’s progression.

Whatever was lost it can become one’s gains.

The lesson to learn is to reduce the hurt and pain.

Make changes in your life and banish the stains.

The Greatest Love Of All will always remain.

My son opened a doorway and handed me a key.

Reflecting on his life will help him be the best he can be.

It knocked on our door for us to see.

He is a masterful educator for you and me.

You’ve Given So Much

Mom and the Crew are just around the corner looking out for you.

Haters, Players, and Dragon Slayers

Feb1 by

I’m quite sure it was Katt Williams who said don’t hate the player hate the game. Now that it is 2015 this saying needs an update with an additional frame. Let’s take it a step further. Don’t hate the hater the game remains the same. Hating the hater will leave you emotionally drained. The Hater is a Hater because they are never willing to change. Learn from the Hater and never forget from which you came.

Haters:

Never willing to cooperate but always ready to isolate.

Moaners, criers, and complainers never believe their disclaimer.

No fault of Accountability lacking integrity and credibility.

Haters never care how you feel because haters are out for the kill.

Always ready to instigate, never ready to investigate, only to manipulate.

Who are the killers to the bone that wants to rule and rock the throne?

If you are doing well Haters will send you to jail or hell.

Haters information is neither beneficial nor reliable and will always be deniable.

Haters will never admit they are wrong? Are you ready for the dance and song?

Corruption, Bribery and Lies, Haters thinks it can all be justified.

Haters Hate!

Players:

Players can take a different path strolling down the avenue.

We saw contenders called out as pretenders smeared with manure residue.

Are you a competitor of the game or competing for your own recognition?

A team player passes the ball and will not get caught up in blind ambition.

We thought the game was in the bag when Jordan scored 60+ points. What did it cost?

The sportsman played one hell of a game and the Chicago Bulls still lost.

It’s okay to shut out the external noise and focus on one’s success.

Think about the changes you can make but do not exclude the rest.

Athletes, actors, entertainers, contestants are all players.

Are you ready to step your game up and become a Dragon Slayers?

Players Play! Ain’t no doubt. Don’t mess around and get Played out.

Dragon Slayers:

Know This! If you must insist a Dragon Slayer never quits.

No more campaigns, rolled the dice, won it twice, 2 years left, and I am through with the Bull sh…

Back in the day, it was called a quest.

In the year of our Lord, 2015, it is called a mission and you know the rest. Who was put through every test?

The Haters tried to sue me, jail me, impeach me to destroy my legacy.

Change the game, put down the sword, pulled out the pen to put an end to the Haters fantasy. Welcome To My Reality.

To savor the flavor of the food it is all about the sauce.

An organizer willing to compromise, equalize, governing/executing remaining for 2 years more and you know who is the boss.

Write the rules, update your tools, get new strategies and convey to the last players.

The pen has become mightier than the sword. A tool saved for last by the Dragon Slayer.

Dragon Slayers Slay and handle the business of the day. There is the twinkle in the eye, a smile on the face but he doesn’t play. Okay!

Are you a Hater, a Player, or a Dragon Slayer?

Haters, Players, and Dragon Slayers

Feb1 by Linda Ballard

Haters:

Never willing to cooperate but always ready to isolate.

Moaners, criers, and complainers never believe their disclaimer.

No fault of Accountability lacking integrity and credibility.

Haters never care how you feel because haters are out for the kill.

Always ready to instigate, never ready to investigate, only to manipulate.

Who are the killers to the bone that wants to rule and rock the throne?

If you are doing well Haters will send you directly to jail or hell.