In Memory of Doug - Exemplary Counselor, Co-Worker, and Human Being

by Abigail Strubel, MA, LCSW, CASAC  

I wrote this poem about a colleague of mine who was brutally murdered at the gym where he loved to work out. He was an amazing person, a gifted counselor, and had just earned his MSW. I still miss him.  

As strong as he was gentle, dark and tall,

He walked with quiet courtesy and cheer,

Was always first to greet you in the hall,

And always lent a shoulder or an ear.

His legendary patience with the souls

Entrusted to his wisdom and his tend,

Was equal to his ease in juggling roles

Of father, student, counselor, son, friend.

His loss upends our faith in good and fair,

Profoundly is he missed and needed still.

And it defies belief that he’s not where

He helped so many change their “can’t” to “will.”

It honors us to call him colleague, friend.

His memory’s a blessing without end.

Abigail Strubel, MA, LCSW, CASAC, is Clinical Director, Veteran Services Group, New York City Department of Homeless Services. She is an Honorary Addiction Professional Board Member at SMART Recovery NYC.