Glorious St. Joseph, model of all who are devoted to labor, obtain for me the grace to work in the spirit of penance in expiation of my many sins; to work conscientiously by placing love of duty above my inclinations; to gratefully and joyously deem it an honor to employ and to develop by labor the gifts I have received from God, to work methodically, peacefully, and in moderation and patience, without ever shrinking from it through weariness or difficulty to work; above all, with purity of intention and unselfishness, having unceasingly before my eyes death and the account I have to render of time lost, talents unused, good not done, and vain complacency in success, so baneful to the work of God. All for Jesus, all for Mary, all to imitate thee, O patriarch St. Joseph! This shall be my motto for life and eternity. - Prayer of Pius X

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

C Has Been Committed

Yesterday, during Evening Prayer, R poked his head in and waved me to come to the door. I didn't, thinking that the ciggs or supper that he wanted could wait until after we were done.

After prayer I walked out to the parking lot to find out that, while we were saying the Office, the police had come by, put C into the back of the squad car and taken him away. He was involuntarily committed for psychiatric treatment to a local ER and remains there for evaluation and prognosis.

We have called and visited the ER several times, but he is allowed no visitors. We have been successful in communicating to his nurse that we think he is not a danger to himself or others (though, under state law, homelessness qualifies as such). He will likely stay at the ER for a couple more days and then either be released or transfered to a regional mental hospital.

We are hoping and praying for his quick release, and doing whatever we can to that end.

There is more to come on this front, but I thought I should post the basics.

Please join us in praying for him.

3 comments:

Chris T. said...

I will be praying for him, Colin. I've also asked Sue if she knows of any legal resources at Duke that would be helpful in case that becomes necessary. I'll let you know what she says.

Pax

NorfolkBoy said...

We will continue to pray for him for sure.

JR said...

The relevant definition from the NC legal code:

(11) "Dangerous to himself or others" means:

a. "Dangerous to himself" means that within the relevant past:

1. The individual has acted in such a way as to show:

I. That he would be unable, without care, supervision, and the continued assistance of others not otherwise available, to exercise self-control, judgment, and discretion in the conduct of his daily responsibilities and social relations, or to satisfy his need for nourishment, personal or medical care, shelter, or self-protection and safety; and

II. That there is a reasonable probability of his suffering serious physical debilitation within the near future unless adequate treatment is given pursuant to this Chapter. A showing of behavior that is grossly irrational, of actions that the individual is unable to control, of behavior that is grossly inappropriate to the situation, or of other evidence of severely impaired insight and judgment shall create a prima facie inference that the individual is unable to care for himself...

This last sentence is seems most relevant from an outsider's view of Concrete.