Intervention

I downloaded a how to 

A guide for intervention

Now that we’re all here

I think we should review it

Mom, the guide says

People tend to get defensive

When it comes from someone

They perceive as judgemental

I love you

And I know your intentions

But for this situation

I think it’d be best

If you just shared affirmations

And avoid giving advice

How does that sound?

Dad, it says here

That gentle encouragement

From someone they trust

That they identify with

Is a helpful tactic

I wish they used better words

Than this clinical

Sterile and apathetic bullshit

Grandma, it also says

Getting too emotional 

Can detract from 

Or upset the loved one

I know this is hard for all of us

But we have to remember

To center her

She is very sick

And she is also very scared

We need to validate

We need to encourage

And we need to provide action

Everyone has their action items?

One of us needs to offer

To bring her to meetings

All of us have to invite her 

To sober outings

I have a list of counselors

And mom has a list of doctors 

Now that we have the plan

How is everyone doing?

How am I doing?