Gloria Jean's Story
Gloria Jean’s initial mental health journey at Bletzinger House was acrimonious. She was always on edge and repeated how much she disliked the program. Toward the end of her stay, she had done a 180° turn; her appreciation for the staff was overwhelming. With our patient approach, Gloria Jean had regained a zest for life, her future and the people around her. ~Scot
Embracing the Unknown: Gloria Jean's Journey from Hesitation to Celebration
Several years ago, when a local park and zoo picnic was announced as the next resident outing, Gloria Jean vehemently protested due to her discomfort with warm weather and anxiety about being out in crowds at night. She had consistently declined non-mandatory evening activities, such as going to the movies or bowling, preferring to stay indoors. The night before the outing, she again expressed her reluctance, but the director of Bletzinger House reminded her of her self-chosen quote of the week:
“It’s been my experience that you can nearly always enjoy things if you make up your mind firmly that you will.” -L.M. Montgomery.
On the day of the outing, despite initial hesitation, Gloria Jean joined the group and participated without complaint. She ate with everyone, was pleasant, and even ventured to the shore of Lake Winnebago on her own, evoking childhood memories of growing up near a lake. The next day, a staff member praised her for turning a difficult situation into a positive experience, likening her achievement to which Gloria Jean responded with a smile and a firm handshake, cementing her accomplishment.