Budd Therapy group is a homage to my grandmother,  Harriet S Budd.  Harriet  was a selfless, giving person who overcame tragedies in her life and still gave compassion and empathy to all she met.  She always had a kind word for everyone.

Harriet was born in Canada in the 1800s, I don’t know much of her early years, but she met my grandfather and she always said she knew immediately he was the love of her life. They had four children, one being my mother and they lived on Staten Island.  When my mother was 11 years old her older sister Dora was lighting a firecracker when her dress caught on fire, and she was burned over most of her body.  My grandmother nursed her for a year before she died.  Shortly after that my grandfather was blinded by an explosion at work and they moved to the country in New Jersey.  My mother would tell stories of the family not having any money and my grandmother making and selling bread or taking care of neighbors who were sick.  As a child I can remember my grandmother caring for those who were sick or elderly.  She never lost her temper, never showed any frustration; she always showed kindness and love.