The Last Flower
A Story of Love, Life and Loss
by
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It’s Time... April 21, 1997, 1:29 PM
Hello my friend,
There is nothing new to report. Penney is still very sick with pneumonia. Her arm is still hurting and it appears there may be torn ligaments in her shoulder. However, I have come to the end of the road with the nursing home, with Penney and life in general. I'm even tired of me.
I'm tired and I want out. I can't take it anymore. I don’t think the medicine is working and I lack the energy to meet with the therapist again. I have nothing to lose.
I know this is not right, but what else am I to do? Who do I turn to? I have called the state for help, but to no avail. I have called on God and it seems like it only gets worse.
Joy cometh in the morning, huh?
As many times as I have given clients a reason not to give up and not to consider suicide as an option, I have no reason to give myself and suicide appears the only way out.
I have decided that I have to end it all for me and Penney.
However I will not end it before taking out the administrator and director of nursing. I do not care about the grief their families will experience. It is my intention that their families feel exactly what I am feeling at their hands. They hurt my most beloved possession.
They took her in as a woman with dignity and strength, the desire to live and return to her home one day. However, with their inhumane treatment, they reduced her to being content resting in her own waste and too depressed to fight back. They pushed her to the point of being suicidal and begging to die.
I feel no remorse for what I have to do to them.
I'm tired of trying to make things happen and I'm tired of hoping things will change, only to see them get worse. I know vengeance is not my responsibility, but that of God, but where is God?
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About the Book
The Last Flower is a gut-wrenchingly honest and candid portrait of one man’s journey on life, love, grief and commitment to family. Robert “Poppy” Lampkin shares this journey through his journal which gives you a blow by blow account of the torment, angst, loneliness and joy that comes as an attachment to love. The willingness to openly share his journey makes The Last Flower a book which grants to each reader access to their own personal power and the freedom to discover the truth for themselves. The Last Flower demonstrates that we can retrieve our life and purpose no matter what the loss is when we depend on a power greater than ourselves. The Last Flower is for anyone who: Has lost their childhood. Is in pain and dying inside. Grieving the loss of a child. Have cried themselves to sleep. No longer dream or have hopes. Grieving the inability to have a child Who is considering suicide or homicide. Feel their home have become their prison. Have been consoled only by the warmth of their tears. Is wondering where God is in the midst of their storm. Who have been betrayed and hurt by those they loved.
About the Author
The title that best describes Robert “Poppy” Lampkin is compassionate advocate. Robert, a native of
While executive director of United Senior Advocates 2K, a (501c) non-profit organization that worked on behalf of those in long-term care, Robert raised the awareness of abuse and crimes against those who could not speak for themselves by recruiting volunteers for innovative projects and involving the corporate community and high school students.
Robert “Poppy” Lampkin’s work is not limited to the elderly, as he is equally passionate about the plight of troubled youth. Through Texas Youth Commission, Child Protective Services and numerous community and ecumenical organizations, Robert has worked with youth from all walks of life. His creation of support groups at local housing projects ultimately resulted in him producing two highly successful television shows “Straight Up” & “Life 101”. The programs brought together youth from diverse communities to host and discuss issues relevant to their peers and the community.
Robert’s community service has not gone unnoticed as he has been recognized by Interfaith Ministries, Mental Health Association and the United States Jaycees as “One of The Outstanding Young Men of America”. Robert is a licensed counselor (inactive) and state certified prevention educator. He attended
Robert’s dynamic style and passion for empowering others makes him a sought after professional speaker. He has made numerous presentations on behalf of state and national legislators, including Representatives Sheila Jackson-Lee, Kevin Brady and Al Green.
Robert's latest endeavor is a 12 month project entitled Operation Overwhelm. Operation Overwhelm is a global community project designed to provide medical supplies, compassion and healing to women and girls who have been raped and sexually mutilated. The hospital that cares for these women is in the tiny town of