“My name is Maudrey,” she told me. “Are you from here,” I asked. “I live here, but I was dropped off here after they released me from the hospital,” she responded with a great big smile. I asked her why she had to be hospitalized and she told me that she is both schizophrenic and bipolar. “I’m taking my medicine now,” she said after telling me that she feels much better.
Prior to meeting Maudrey in downtown Detroit I drove past about five buildings with a green medical cross on the front of them. “What’s with all the marijuana pharmacies in Detroit, they’re everywhere,” I stated with a little laugh. “You want marijuana? I can get you a whole bag of it for $4,” she replied. With a laugh I said, “Naaah - I’m good, but thank you.” She then pointed across the street, “See, I can get it for you right there.”
I changed the subject and went back to her mental illness. She told me that her anxiety gets really bad and it is tough living in Detroit. Sorrow fell over her face when she mentioned anxiety. For those who do not realize, anxiety can mimic numerous ailments which can lead to more worry and make the person suffering think they have a disease or a sickness.
As if the conversation never took place, she then danced away to buy a single cigarette from the gas station. Yes, they sell single cigarettes in some gas stations of Detroit for .50-cents each.
“Concentration is a fine antidote to anxiety.” - Jack Nicklaus