The 'Darling' of MHMR Board of Directers Resigns

Trudy Darling has served as member of the MHMR Board of Trustees for almost 10 years now, and has devoted most of her life in helping others with mental disabilities. 

"My daughter had a health issue that caused mental retardation," she said. "When she was in sixth grade we lived in Houston, and at the time I was told not to bring her back to school, that there was nothing more they could do for her. So, there I was, a single mother with a special needs child, and nowhere to turn.  It was really frightening, but we worked through it.”

This experience was the catalyst that moved her to immerse herself in many volunteer roles that focus on mental health.

Darling moved here 12 years ago when her office job was deemed obsolete during the aftermath of 9/11. She had visited several times prior and thought very highly of the fine arts and music culture our city has to offer, making the transition effortless.  Being a musician herself, San Angelo was a perfect haven for a creative busy body like Trudy.

Busy-body may be an understatement for this bright, energetic, inspiring woman. It did not take Darling long to submerge herself into various volunteer roles. Not only has Darling been a big help to MHMR, she has also devoted her time to the Adult Enrichment Center, Hospice, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, and the Concho Pearl Lion’s Club.

She selflessly donates her time at area nursing homes, lending her piano and vocal skills to folks that can’t go anywhere to experience live music.  In recent years music therapy has gained more popularity in the world of palliative care.

“At one point I worked for Baptist Memorial, I would play piano for the residents at lunch.  One of the elderly ministers' wife was dying, and he happened to tell me one day what her favorite song was, 'There’s A Long, Long Road A Winding,' which was their song. I played it that day and his wife sat up and smiled.”

Normally this would not have happened, but through the power of music Darling was able to reach a patient that was in a rapid deteriorating state.

At Thursday's MHMR Board of Dirctors meeting it was with a heavy heart that Trudy Darling resigned. From the display of emotion in the room, and the insistence among the board members she stay, it’s extremely obvious what a colossal impact she has made on MHMR.

 “I’m 80 years old, and I just need to narrow the list of to dos a little bit. It’s time for me to move on, and hand the reins to the younger generation. Keep up the good work . The money situation here will always be a struggle. We get our little moments where we are flush, and that’s great, but there’s such a big need here. People are desperate and don’t know where to go for help, so to have this facility that people can come to and seek assistance is a wonderful thing.”

Even though Trudy has resigned her role on the MHMR Board of Directors, she will still continue to volunteer her time with Adult Enrichment Center and NAMI.