Our Lives as Disabled Americans

           From ancient times, as long has man has been distinct from wolf, deer and animal world, we have sustained among us some who cannot effectively labor nor effectively do battle...  although neither of these is an absolute in every case, and many who come to be classified and protected as disabled came to their condition through exactly these pursuits: every struggle being different, and it falling to the government authorities to publicize what they will of fragile matters of war and peace.  

             Nonetheless, we come to a condition where we still desire to be respected as good men and women, still have a contribution to make...  and yet we have the shame and burden of being invalids.          

             Desiring to be of use and not to overburden our familly and children, we often cultivate this or that art or scholarship.  Should we become successful in such, we have to limit ourselves...  lest others should falsely dream ours to be an enviable condition.  

          And yet from the blind poets Homer and Milton, to the wheelchair bound F.D.R. and Stephen Hawkins, we disabled have been of service to mankind, and our sustenance is not an error or frivolity.  Nonetheless, we often worry deeply about what burden we may be upon our children...  who we often cannot do much to enrich or protect.  Thank you for reading.  God bless and keep you