OLD-SCHOOL WHEELING- UNSUNG HEROES

This article appeared in The Phoenix on October 7, 2005

I had many "unsung heroes" while I was growing up, people who helped me get through life, especially with a disability.

Even now, I still have many unsung heroes in my world. I want to share a few with you, because I feel they deserve recognition, and I hope this can be a forum to highlight people who deserve many thanks but don't always receive enough appreciation.

Paratransit Drivers- This is how I get to work each day, by the paratransit. Before the ADA law was passed, the disabled could not use paratransit. Now we can, not only to get back and forth to work, but to go anywhere, for a minimal fee.

Most paratransit drivers are very friendly, despite the immense pressure and responsibilities of their job. They must deal with bad weather, congested traffic, irate riders, trying to stay on their schedules, helping the elderly and in firmed on their vans, tying down wheelchairs, radio-ing numbers, names, fees, and other various info into the office.

All of this with a smile while serving the public. Often these drivers are expected to be in more than one place at the same time. They do the best they can to meet their schedule, and often are underpaid.

I appreciate them very much. Many only last a short time. But there are many drivers on the job for years. They build friendship with their riders over time, and it is always mice to see a familiar face picking you up. It puts one at ease and there is a sense of trust that your ride is going to be a safe one.

My thanks to the paratransit drivers out there, who keep pushing, no matter what.

Nursing Assistants- Working in a nursing home as I do, it is very much a team effort. Everyone from nurses, to doctors, therapists, social workers, administrators, etc. Everyone tries to do the very best they can to take care of their residents.

I especially admire the nursing aides/assistants. They are the people who are often underpaid as well, yet they have the most hands-on, direct care of nursing home or hospital patients. They empty bedpans, wash the ill and disabled, help them get dressed, and generally care for all their needs.

Plus many nursing assistants I have known over the years go beyond their duties. They may just sit with a lonely or crying resident, offering support, comfort and cheer. They may bring in homemade cookies or just do that little extra thing to help put a smile on someone's face.

They are true heroes of their profession, and even though they are recognized formally quite often where I work, they are still unsung heroes to me.

I'm sure you can find some unsung heroes in your life as well. Just look around. All it takes is a "thank you" to make someone's day.