The 600 guests at the April 22nd Nexus Spring Luncheon at the Anatole were divided into two camps. You either loved it or you were in a state of shock and grateful that Gail Turner was not present. But more about that later.
It was due to Co-chairs Robin Bagwell‘s and Jan Osborn‘s speaker Kristen Johnston. Like many addicts, she was totally appealing with her tools of humor and hugs. But also like a drug/alcohol addict, she was upsetting and shocking in her life as an addict.
The good news was that she’s been sober for six years and written a book about her abuse — “Guts.” Trust us when we say that this book is not standard reading fare for the Dallas Woman’s Club or a grade school read-a-thon. But it was unfortunately appropriate for the very ugly reality of an addict’s love life with the love of their lives especially opiates.
Yes, the “F” word peppered the reading. One person counted more than 20 times. But the beneficiaries of the Nexus Recovery Center were not SMU co-eds or Junior Leaguers. They were girls and women who had been raised in homes where the “F-word” was more commonplace than “How are you?”
Was Kristen’s talk upsetting and shocking? Yes, absolutely. Is drug addiction and its contagious sweep through this country upsetting and shocking? Unfortunately, yes.
Perhaps that’s why the talk was uncomfortably appropriate.
Hindsight suggests that Kristen’s reading from her book, “Guts,” was well done, but went on longer than necessary. It might have benefited book sales and her impact if she had cut the reading to half the time and just talked with the members of the audience with the same honesty as she did Sunday with residents of Nexus.
Didn’t matter. The message was still impactful and disturbing. Time and time again, she apologized for the details of her near-death-experience. After all, we’re talking about lunch time and guts exploding.
As for Gail Turner, she is well known for not . . . shall we say, feeling comfortable when bawdy language enters a conversation. And she’s absolutely right. But she would also be on the front line to “damn” the damage that has resulted from drug and alcohol abuse.
And that’s why such people as Micki Rawlings, Ashlee Kleinert, Roslyn Dawson Thompson, Yvonne Crum, Rhonda Sargent Chambers, Katie Pedigo, Linda and Steve Ivy, Norm Bagwell, Scott Osborn, Amara Durham, Gina Miller, Betsy Chambers and others stayed put. They realized that as painful as the story of drug/alcohol abuse is, the problem must be addressed and resolved.
yvonne crum says
thanks MSC for telling her story. She told her story “THE WAY IT WAS” GUTS!
Leslie J says
Wow, Ms. Prejean – you state above that you all cover news with an “honest but friendly” hand. I guess the passage below is supposed to be “honest”, but you appear to have forgotten the “friendly” part! What rude and condenscending words – I hope you read it now and regret what you wrote. You sound like a typical Dallas socialite!
Yes, the “F” word peppered the reading. One person counted more than 20 times. But the beneficiaries of the Nexus Recovery Center were not SMU co-eds or Junior Leaguers. They were girls and women who had been raised in homes where the “F-word” was more commonplace than “How are you?”
Jeanne Prejean says
We have received some comments from folks who may be new to the MySweetCharity community. As part of our moderation,we send an email to the commentor asking if s/he did send the comment and agree to having it published. Until we receive their confirmations, we cannot post their comments. It is our sincere hope that they will respond and allow their comments to be published.
Elizabeth Lockyer says
I was at the luncheon in Dallas and reading Ms. Prejean’s “review” I question if it was the same event. What I saw and experienced was Kristen sharing her truth as an addict with other addicts, and those deeply invested in raising money for an amazing treatment center for addicts. What I did not see was a room of division where shocked women in shift dresses were fanning themselves while counting swear words. What I did not see were uncomfortable glances of judgement – if only “those people” had a better upbringing without the F word strewn around we wouldn’t all be here raising cash. I did not see looks of horror when an f bomb was dropped – especially as Kristen was describing that end of time in addiction when no amount of any substance was going to silence the screaming in her head – much less the noise she was making in the ER.
Two things I DID see – among so much that made the afternoon special – really blew me away. Several woman stood and opened the luncheon, told how long they were clean and the impact the treatment center had on their lives. Those woman were absolutely riveted by Kristen during her talk. As she had been by theirs. A mutual meeting of like minds. Addicts and alcohols – we see our story in each other. The other was during the book signing. Those same woman came for a picture and Kristen dropped everything to take pictures, congratulate on clean time – and most touching – share that she could have listened to their stories all afternoon. I didn’t doubt it for a second and more import – neither did they.
So I don’t know what lunch Ms. Prejean went to but it’s not what I experienced. I do wonder why someone with so many prejudiced ideas attends events such as these. What other skewed jaundiced point of view is she putting out there? I hope people will be skeptical.
Shannon Fellers says
I don’t see what the big deal was about the use of the “F word” . I believe that this article focuses way to much on Ms. Jonhnston’s language and not the full impact of how helpful her story is. People will sit through a rated R movie with the use of this word and have no problem saying how fantastic the movie was when it wasn’t even written off fact but script. Ms. Johnston’s life of recovery is not scripted but raw and true. Maybe the word “fuck” shouldn’t be such a focal point but the words survival, strength and recovery should be. And as for your comment of her reading to much of her book. I find that ridiculous. That is her story. Her testimony of her life which has saved more than just an addict. Maybe if a copy is given to you with the word fuck removed it might help you see the story of survival that you seemed to have missed.
Bill Stout says
I’m so sorry the content on this website is filtered,,,,,,maybe more would be helped if it wasn’t
Monique Balsamo says
Ms. Prejean, I’m sure there are times you forget where you are. In this article, it seems that this was one of those times. Your condescending tone and ignorance is insulting. I do sincerely hope you will realize the real reason for Ms. Johnston being at Nexus was not to be a demure celebutante but to share her story and read an excerpt from her book, (No, actually it was not too long, as I have read her book.) If I had been writing this this morning, I would be dropping F-bombs left and right JUST because I can, but that would just add fuel to your already imbecilic fire. Suffice it to say, as an educated young woman with a child who was on his way off the path; and had it not been for Ms. Johnston’s intervention (via GUTS) he would probably would be lost to us, you need to educate yourself. I hope, for your sake, you never have to experience this disease personally or in your family, and have to experience what it feels like to read something as offensive as your article. Kudos to the Nexus Recovery Center & Ms. Johnston for the battle they are fighting and the work that they do, and may they succeed – in spite of you.
yvonne crum says
I would like to add to the conversation and say that I have now read the original post about 16 time.. (HONEST) to see what I am not seeing.. I was there at a table of people that tirelessly give of their time to various causes, I have have been involved with Nexus for a long time and It’s an amazing place.. The column that is here IN MY OPINION WAS A POSITIVE ONE ! Ok.. hold on.. would like you to look at the paragraph that says “Perhaps that’s why the talk was uncomfortably appropriate.” I have known Jeanne for over 30 yrs.. and she doesn’t have a mean bone in her body when it comes to hurting others. and her aim is to help these non profits to get their message.. out.. Some of the comments on FB .. I find so disturbing.. and hurtful to all. Celebrities are here all the time promoting books, movies and art.. My Sweet Charity will cover them only if they have a 50l 3 c and are legit.. MSC takes the time to vet them and make sure … well all as the last paragraph of this message says ” realized that as painful as the story of drug/alcohol abuse is, the problem must be addressed and resolved.” that’s positive.. so all you reading the MSC post and the posts on FB.. please try to remember that well all have the same Goal.. to help those that need it. NEXUS does just that.. and so does MSC.. with the “awareness that is raised”.. and I will stand by my interpertation of the post..and say that MSC has raise lots of much needed awareness and many $$ by that. I loved meeting Kristen and was so happy that she can be free to tell her story (quite a powerful one) .. I am the first to say “I am not a fan of the “F” word (f for funny ..i love and kristen is for sure) but in this case.. I will echo MSC.. “it was uncomfortably appropriate”
Kristen Johnston says
Dear Yvonne & Jean….
I, too was deeply disturbed by some of the comments on Facebook. To the extent that I asked people to stop, which most of them did.
I never intended this to become about raking someone over the coals. I expressed my opinion, I stand by it, and that’s that.
However, what you both need to understand is that the tone of the above did touch a nerve in recovering addicts. I don’t know Ms. Prejean, but Jan Osborne said she’s a lovely, caring person. And anyone who promotes Charities is cool in my book.
I’m sure she never intended this, but the fact remains: the way she said certain things were upsetting to some of us.
That said, I STRONGLY disapprove of anyone trashing someone personally. Frankly, I wish my comment had been enough for people. I disagreed, I expressed it, let’s move on.
I would like to formally apologize to Ms. Prejean on behalf of any comments that were hurtful. I’m going to go back and erase anything I find offensive.
I also apologize to the wonderful people who supported Nexus. I truly had the best time in Dallas, and I sincerely hope that this nonsense doesn’t leave a bad taste in anyone’s mouth.
Wiith Respect
Kristen Johnston
yvonne crum says
Kirsten.. Classy and I appreciate that.. you will notice I was the first to reply when it was put up and thanked MSC for telling YOUR story.. and I stand by the fact that you told it they it was with GUTS! i admire you and i know for a fact whatever the person Darryl said.. Jeanne would never do that and would never have to.. she’s been a journalist for so many years.. and just started a few years ago .. giving to the community that helped her achieve her success many years ago..
I totally admire you for your courage.. and conviction.., dinner on me when you come back.. ! thanks so very much .. I appreciate you posting hugs, y
Jeanne Prejean says
Kristen, we have received other comments that are pending confirmation. As soon as we receive the confirmations, we will continue to post them. Thank you for your input.-Jeanne