With Wings Widespread is a reflective journal about care and counseling in an acute psychiatric setting. It offers a glimpse into what goes on in the hearts and minds of patients, families, and professionals as they go about the business of experiencing and helping others manage difficult life experiences. For twenty-two years, Dr. McCall kept a poetry journal and in the latter years of her ministry in that setting began the arduous task of reflecting upon her life's work. She shares these reflections openly and respectfully in this journal in the hopes that what she learned would be of help to others.
In With Wings Widespread, one finds reflections about aging, mental illness, and healthcare. One also finds thoughts about teamwork, collegiality, and personal and workplace stress. There are joyful reflections and painful moments of grief. There are internal struggles and there are moments of insight and epiphany.
Readers who pick up these reflections may use the material to jog their memories, infuse their spirits, and see the value in their experiences. Those who may feel tired, isolated, and even lonely may connect with the experiences presented here and hopefully others will put together a collection of their own reflections.
