Losing physical capabilities does not, in itself, make you unable to
contribute to your world.
You might not work as you did before, so you must adapt.
If you are unable to hold a job you can still volunteer. Volunteer
your time, brains, experience, and computer skills. Be useful and
even "indispensable" to your church, a local hobby shop, your local
government, your school, or a local NGO. Work on someone's political
campaign.
A touch of senility makes me unable to hold a regular, full or part
time job. It doesn't keep me from serving my community. I am an
elected, unpaid, municipal cemetery trustee: I created and I maintain
our website,
http://cemetery.mont-vernon.nh.us/ Until recently it was my
phone that rang when a customer or funeral home called. I sold lots
and kept the books. I wrote our handbook, and now I publish our
minutes on the web. I also am one of the three people elected to
maintain our town's list of registered voters. I was a consultant
when the state instituted a state-wide voter registration list. I
have served on the budget committees of the village school and the
Selectmen.
I am the president of the state cemetery association. I manage our
schedule, suggest speakers, and get on the phone/email to line up
speakers. I have testified on new legislation.
Tell me again why my senility, wheelchair, and reluctance to drive
should make me useless.
Alton
