Trauma Informed Communities: Post-Trauma Growth, Moral Injury, PTSD
Author: stevesparks
Depoe Bay, Oregon, United States
A retired information technology sales and marketing executive following over 35 years beginning with the US Navy as a radioman in 1963. Graduated with a BA in Management from St. Mary's College, Moraga, California. Married to my soulmate Judy and living on the Oregon coast, I have 3 grown daughters and 4 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. My current passion and life work is mentoring and improving the education of K-12 kids, including helping the responsible nonprofit agency www.neighborsforkids.org achieve sustainability.
Finished Driftwood Sculpture from Little Whale Cove…
“Driftwood symbolizes the Eternal relationship between wood and water, between forest and sea, between life and death. It symbolizes the ever-present moment, which is at once the past, present, and future–here, now, in this nanosecond contained.”
I became enchanted by driftwood laying on the beach at the Cove, over a year ago now. Since then it has become an obsession of my soul…
I feel whole examining and learning about driftwood pieces that come by for a visit in our little Cove by the sea. It is here where I can discover the planet’s ecosystem from the beginning to the end…
But, is there an end? I don’t believe so now. Life is recycled. There is no end.
When spring arrives, it is proof there is no end. I see reincarnation. I want to come back as a Pelican and join Captain Pelican Pete and The Flying Aces of Little Whale Cove…
For I believe life is renewed at the Cove. I feel God’s spirit while discovering driftwood in the Cove.
There is only life on earth. There is no end to the Universe…
Partial plank from Captain Jack Rumsey’s sailing ship, “HMS Queens Pride” “Cedar is a light dimensionally stable wood, with a very high strength-to-weight ratio. It doesn’t absorb water readily and is highly resistant to decay, so the common enemy of most other boat building timbers – rot – is not an issue.” https://www.sailboat-cruising.com/cedar-strip-boat-building.html“HMS Queens Pride,” Whale Cove, Oregon c1880https://www.pirateshowcancun.com/blog/scurvy-pirate-history/famous-pirate-ships-in-history/
Captain Jack Rumsey, swimming to shore after his ship sunk off the Cove jetty c1780…
Was Whale Cove a bootlegger’s dream?
“Many believe that during Prohibition (1920-1933) Canadian rumrunners would sneak into this secluded bay at night, anchor, and use rowboats to ferry the illicit booze to the beach where shore gangs would hoist the shipment (mostly bourbon and scotch) to the bluff top and, if the coast was clear, they would load it onto trucks parked on the tree-lined road above for peddling to booze pushers and speakeasys all over the county.”
Whale Cove long ago… Photo (Whale Cove circa 1931) from the vast archives at the Lincoln County Historical SocietyPublic Archives, The Cove …
“Ohhhh woo woo woo!” Captain Jack Rumsey yelled as he swam to the Cove shore. He was knocked off the “Queens Pride” as it was breaking up on the north point of the Cove…
It was a late afternoon severe thunderstorm and sea spout that sent the HMS Queens Pride into the basalt cliffs. Twas an early fall, balmy sunny day, in the Cove, when the cliffs at the Cove ripped the Queens Pride in two…
Most of the crew took the ship’s small landing craft to shore 30 minutes earlier. The crew and the rum got to the beach in the nick of time. They were greeted by happy natives and white settlers who occupied the coastal waters near Whale Cove and Depoe Bay…
Captain Jack was with a small ships crew to keep an eye on things, and watch the sea for pirates. “Rum Running” was an art for Captain Jack Rumsey. He was the best of the best at his craft.
Running rum to the Cove and up ‘n down the coast to Pirate Cove, and other Coves along the coast was Captain Jack Rumsey’s pride. He was loved by natives and and white settlers alike, who lived in harmony, on the coast…
Two shipfitters and a coxswain were killed on the rocks. Captain Jack and the crew were deeply distressed about that.
The HMS Queens Pride ships crew are battle buddies of old. They grieve terribly for their brothers in arms…
The best of the best, the ‘right stuff’ sort of sailors, follow Captain Jack Rumsey. He was known for treating his men fairly, unlike “Blackbeard” who was terribly abusive to his crew…
The natives and white settlers were waiting excitedly for the rum runners to come ashore. All the villages nearby danced on the Cove beach. They prepared for the early fall Pow Wow, and native style salmon bake, at the Cove…
The natives cooked salmon to a smoky slow burning wood fire. They would dance and sing along with the white settlers. Furry friends and wildlife neighbors joined in too…
But, with the tragic loss of 3 heros from the HMS Queens Pride, Captain Jack Rumsey wanted to honor them. So, all the Cove’s men, women, natives alike, furry loved ones and wildlife friends, gathered together to honor their fallen heroes…
Later that evening, Captain Jack Rumsey, got up to say a few words to the villagers and his crew. He was a little tipsy, though. Rum Running was his trade craft, you know…
After Captain Jack’s powerful words of praise, honor and remembrance, the community went on to drink and be merry… This was the way of Captain Jack Rumsey. For his love for others was always bigger than himself…
It was some months later when another ship arrived from Canada, with more than enough Rum to spare. Captain Jack Rumsey returned home with his crew after that. He was still a little tipsy after a good rest, and extended play, at the village near the Cove…
The story of Captain Jack Rumsey is shared here first. It was a Cove secret until a piece of HMS Queens Pride cedar plank appeared in the Cove awhile ago. It was then, when the truth was revealed to me, like a spirit’s whisper in the cool sea breeze by the Cove…
Steve and Judy Sparks Children and Families in Life After Trauma
“That was beautiful Steve, and every word about your work is so true. I have laughed, and cried, thought, and pictured each story. You have a unique style and are definitely one of a kind!!!” Lynda Van Dyke, Newport, Oregon
Steve and Judy Sparks Children and Families in Life After Trauma
Judy and I, invite you to participate in Zoom readings and conversation. Groups of 6-8 are ideal. We anticipate a fun, uplifting, and engaging 45 minutes or so.
Our thoughts about content… The metaphors will teach and remind the participants of kindness, love and empathy. Some others might be tiny triggers but with a “stop bullies” message. Read “Roco Raccoon and The Rockettes from Radio City” in my book.
It would really be good fun if everyone attending downloaded the book to read before the show. A $4.00 investment will be worth it. You’ll have your tablet or smartphone with “Furry Loved Ones” to read with us…
We plan to facilitate a conversation about the metaphors and messages. Sound like fun?
Your needs and suggestions prior to the Zoom call will be most welcome. We can weave your input into the conversation…
Send your questions and request to me at the below email address…
With kindness and love,
Steve and Judy Sparks
stevesparks.associates@survivethriveptsd.org
Steve and Judy Sparks Children and Families in Life After Trauma
We have lots of great neighbors here in Little Whale Cove. Some even bring us cupcakes ‘n muffins for dessert…
Our neighbors come by our home a lot. They all stop for a quick chat. Some even offer help for others when we are in need.
Old and older folks live here in the Cove. We need each other for different things, but mostly kindness and love…
As a thank you, I make driftwood art pieces for my neighbors, especially ones who come by with cupcakes after dinner.
I made “Groovin’ 46ers” for the neighbors who often bring cupcakes as dessert. Delicious, yummy, chocolate peanut butter frosting piled high on the cupcakes…
These particular neighbors were born in 1946, just like me. Very cool! We celebrate each year as “46ers.”
It is a heavenly mix of sweetness, kindness and love in the cupcakes ‘n muffins. It’s just that way here in the Cove, too…
We are good neighbors who care about each other. We are blessed, indeed…
Steve and Judy Sparks Children and Families in Life After Trauma…
“Ricky Raccoon’s boys and girls at play at my place. They are good neighbors too…
“Brontosaurus had a long, thin neck and a small head adapted for a herbivorous lifestyle, a bulky, heavy torso, and a long, whip-like tail. The various species lived during the Late Jurassic epoch, in the Morrison Formation of what is now North America, and were extinct by the end of the Jurassic.[5] Adult individuals of Brontosaurus are estimated to have weighed up to 15 tonnes (17 short tons) and measured up to 22 metres (72 feet) long.”
Judy and I were hanging out at 52nd St in Taft last weekend. We watched the sea lions nap on the Salishan Spit across the mouth of Siletz River near the sea…
I was sitting on a huge driftwood log that looked like a Gray Whale. Sitting there on the old sea worn log was an odd beautiful old driftwood piece waiting for me to discover…
Judy came over to sit with me while we were filming the Sea Lions napping. Not one of them moved. Maybe a nose poked up here and there…
“What do you think this looks like,” I asked with a thought already in my mind. “It reminds me of a Brontosaurus,” she said with a confident smile that made it true…
We talked of Dinosaurs and wondered if they were ever here on the coast eons ago. I wanted to write about this particular dinosaur at that moment.
Driftwood pieces seem to be shaped like living things we can imagine. Anything you can imagine and learn about can be discovered on the beaches anywhere on the coast.
Siletz Bay, especially the mouth of the Siletz River is a magic place to imagine the things you see and love by the sea… Go there and see for yourself sometime soon…
Go to your favorite beach on the coast and dream about the beauty of your life and what you love. Dinosaurs show us that life is so much bigger and more beautiful than we could ever imagine…
Imagine with me. Dream your dream…. Learn about your favorite Dinosaurs…
Steve and Judy Sparks Children and Families in Life After Trauma…
Jason Evans , the backcountry east of Bend, Oregon…The backcountry campus and hang-out…“Lovely roastbeef-melt sandwich to-go from The Pine Lounge in Burns, OR after a productive morning including my second covid shot, buying clothes-hangers, laundry, and fixing a little problem with my truck after a wash; ready to Netflix the rest of the day at The Silver Spur motel which is perfect for me 🧚🏼♂️” Jason Evans on a nice day on campus…The Alvord Desert Buggy Wagon at 100mph!
Running the Alvord Desert Salt Flats Salt Flats with Jason Evans at the wheel…
When you are chilling at over 100 miles an hour and figure this would be a decent place to teach your kids how to drive 🤣
Alvord Desert Salt Flats… https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alvord_DesertDesert Daisies Indian Paintbrush Close-up Alvord Desert Salt Flats…Steens Mountains run-off… A walk in the Park near the Campus. en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steens_Mountain#:~:text=Steens%20Mountain%20is%20in%20the,9%2C733%20feet%20(2%2C967%20m).Desert hike with “Serpentine” Written, filmed, photographed ‘n produced by Jason Evans, with Steve Sparks, ridin’ shotgun, on the Avord Desert Badlands with “Michael Meerkat ‘n Snoopy” The Mongoose Scouts…
“Sea Planter” comes alive!“Sea Planter” ready to be finished…
While we were walking slowly along the Cove Beach about 10 days ago, I looked down and saw this ‘thing’ at the edge of the water. It looked like a living thing…
Stuff oozed out, seaweed, critters, bugs and other stuff from the sea. “It’s a living thing,” I remarked to Judy. “Are you actually going to pick it up?” She said that, looking at me with with some speculation…
It was heavy and soaked. Little sea bugs were crawling out. It surely looked like a science project to me. So, I picked it up and put it in the bag. It was about 2ft long, and full of who knows what…
I let the ugly piece of old driftwood dry for a few days and started cleaning it out. I found surprises at every pull of my small scraping tool. The groves and crevasses seemed very deep.
The little crabs and bugs started to emerge. “Holy cow!” I thought while my scraping continued. This process continued for days on end…
After exhaust every means and methods of cleaning, and sanding, look what appeared! This old piece of soft white pine was home to a colony of living breathing little creatures from the sea.
There was rythem to it. Just like life itself. I saw mountains, rivers, basalt cliffs, oceans and the cycle of life in motion over time in the ecosystem of life in motion…
Judy came by for a look. “It’s a planter for our front porch,” she said with a big smile. “I made this for you, my love.” I remarked while looking up at her smile…
Steve and Judy Sparks Children and Families in Life After Trauma
“The Furry Loved Ones and Wildlife Friends Who Touch Our Hearts”
“Matt ‘n Mattie with little ones! Seven in all, not seen in years…
I wrote this week with some sadness about my Cove pals Matt ‘n Mattie. As Cove lovers and protectors of wildlife here in the Cove, we assumed Mattie and her goslings were taken by a predator…
The usual suspect was “Gritz” The Intrepid Eagle. We were wrong, joyously wrong, indeed!
It seems Mattie was in her nest much longer than normal. The days went by as we watched Matt alone in the Cove, mostly.
Matt had a couple of neighbors from Big Whale Cove visit while we were there a few days ago. A YouTube clip is included…
Now, we are happy to share a 10 minute YouTube clip showing our new family of nine playing and forging in the Cove. This is a joyous moment for all in the Cove!
I will be out in the Cove early a few times a week to watch them thrive and grow to be adult Canadian Honkers. There is always a risk that some goslings will not make it.
Join me each week for an update, including film, of this beautiful new family of resident Honkers, The whole Tribe will return to their winter home north to the Aleutians.
Until next week!
Steve and Judy Sparks, Children and Families in Life After Trauma
“Matt ‘n Mattie” with seven new Goslings in the Cove on May 4, 2021. Filmed by Steve Sparks with Galexy Ultra s20 5g…
More fun with the new family of nine in the Cove by the sea…
I didn’t know one thing about mental health or Trauma Informed Care (TIC) 37 years ago April. I was in the prime of my career in IT back then. Judy was a IT professional too. We were so excited about our life together…
Soon after our marriage and the birth of our child, my mental health seemed to be going south, way south. The healing journey would be a tough road as I look back. Not only for me, but for our family as a whole…
When there is too much trauma in a person’s life, the trash and baggage pile up just like a overflowing dumpster that sits for weeks on end. Think of that for a moment before reading on…
I wrote this article in June 2020 after starting to see a TIC clinical therapist. I didn’t know then how wonderful it would feel, after a very long year emptying my overflowing dumpster.
It has been a tough road over these many decades. But my mind seems to be getting rid of enough baggage and trash that peach of mind seems like a gift from heaven.
I never knew about how important this robust specialized therapy was until now. It seems living in the moment slows my mind down enough to see the clouds, sea, rivers, mountains, even birds and Bees.
I used to hang around for a few minutes then go on to something else… No more! It’s a gift at a time in my life when we both, Judy and me, need it the most…
Celebrate Mental Health Awareness month of May by sharing this post with friends, family and colleagues. It feels even better when we reach out to others for support. It feels especially good to make a difference for others…
I serve on the traumainformedoregon.org/ Steering Committee. We are a team of 22 professionals representing Counties in Oregon. I am honored and privileged to serve Lincoln County Oregon.
My work in our community also includes serving on the Lincoln County Behavioral Health Community Advisory Committee. I have been honored to serve on this committee since 2015…
Think about how you can make a difference this month in helping others who suffer from mental illness, just like me. Help others become more aware of the value of TIC. Help yourself and others you love get help…
My friends, colleagues and loved ones helped me over the years to heal. I love each and everyone of them for that. Lincoln County cares, indeed! I know this to be sure…
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