Simply Shari 3-31-2010

Progress is Hard,
As I was visiting with a lady the other day, we were discussing the fact that the Centers for Independent Living in the state are required to report to the state the number of people that have died while waiting for funding. The number that has chosen to stay in their own home without supports and died rather than go to a nursing home has grown to sixty-two across the state.

Most people when you talk to them about this subject immediately think of the elderly as those who are facing just such a choice. However that is certainly not always the case. The people that are waiting for funding of the Physical Disability waver are all under the age of 65.

That lady shared that one of the sixty-two people to have died was her daughter. She was a young lady with a grade school child. This reminded me of another young lady who is also waiting for supports. She is attempting to start college. She uses a wheelchair for mobility. Her goal is to complete school and move to Montana and become a social worker.

Without supports it may be impossible for her to complete those goals. She shared how one morning as she arrived at school she dropped something while she was in the parking lot. When she reached for the item she fell from her chair. Strange as it may sound people, as they passed by, didn’t stop to help. They literally just walked on by. That is until she called out for help. After people heard her request they realized there was a real need. And they also knew what to do to assist her.

I am really concerned that we have people isolated who need just a little help. Loneliness, depression, anxiety, all contributes to people giving up hope. But it is more than just the emotional stress. There are people who are in real physical distress, people who need assistance just to get food prepared, bathing, and going to the doctor.

I am concerned about the Crossroads we find ourselves at. Leaders are making real Life and Death decisions about people. If we would listen to what people are saying they are showing all of use what is important.

Well, I’m listening to real people who are making real choices. I know the sixty-two that have died faced a real Life or Death Crossroads. And all sixty-two chose what is important.

Life is more than just being alive. It is the people around us. The reactions we share together. I know progress is hard. But Life is hard. Death is often referred to as the easy way out.

I am Simply Shari, I chose the hard life. And I can live with that.

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