It was roughly three weeks into running a 46 bed group home for those with chronic mental illness, when I was in my office working on an Individualized Service Plan. (Fancy term for basically the packet of instructions and care plan for a resident.) My doorway was the third most popular location in the building- the first was the smoking lounge, the second was the vending machine room. Three of my guys were hovering in my door way when the following conversation occurred…..

Mathew*: “Antanette, Antanette, I didn’t get a hug yet today. Antanette, can I have a hug.”

Mark*: “You’re an idiot Mathew*- her name is Nadia.”

Luke*: “You’re both morons, her name is Natasha.”

Antanette/Nadia/Natasha/Me: “Actually, my name is Natali.”

Luke*: “Shut up, Linda!”

I still don’t know who Linda is…..

*All names were changed to protect resident privacy per Federal HIPAA guidelines.