Since crossing into my 90th year on this planet and graduating to walking with a “walker,” my long-held belief that most Wisconsin people are nice people has been confirmed.
Visitors to our fair city often remark that local people are “just so nice.” That’s a good thing, because there are plenty of people with physical handicaps who need their walkers to stay mobile. Doors are a nemesis to those of us who need help getting in and out of buildings, except for those facilities that have automatic door openers with a “handicap” button. Some doors are heavy and stiff. Some quicky snap shut before a slow-poke can make it all the way through.
So I say, “thanks” to the people who rush to hold a door open when they see me or other handicapped persons trying to negotiate an entrance. Staying mobile is a big deal for us, and those lovely people make it feasible
Nice people open doors for me several times a day, every day. I tell them, “Much appreciated. I used to be a helper, but now I’m a helpee.”
Note that many of the helpers are often elderly people themselves. Sometimes it’s nice kids helping out.
In broad terms, it’s always been my belief that more than 95% of the people in this country, state and community are really nice and ready to come to the assistance of people in need.
It’s the other 5% that necessitates police forces, crime prevention safeguards, courts, prisons and general vigilance.
In the same vein, I’m always impressed by local citizens who volunteer their time, talents and funds to make life better for the less fortunate.
Organizations like the Threshold lead the way locally on helping the less fortunate lead good lives.
We should also be proud that West Bend is home to GrandCare, a private company, that creates screen-based communication systems that connect disadvantaged and disabled people to a multitude of services on the internet.
All the help doesn’t mean that local citizens who are less able or handicapped can’t be contributors. There are plenty of useful tasks that can be handled by people with restricted capabilities.
The Volunteer Center of Washington County finds places for all kinds of people for volunteering when and where help is needed. Give them a call at (262) 338-8256.
Back to the difficulties with doors. They can be vexing for older folks. If they cause loss of balance, a common occurrence, falls can happen, and older people go down hard because they have lost the ability to catch themselves. Once the fall starts, bang, down they go. I have taken a couple of those crashes myself, and they are no fun. Recovery can take months.
So, if you own a building, please make it handicapped friendly.
If you are a nice person, and I’m sure you are, keep an eye out for old geezers like me who are approaching a door with a walker or a cane. Your kindness can make their day.
