I wrote this article as part of my Wheeling Around Phoenixville column on April 28, 2006
Spring is the time of year for fresh starts ans new beginnings. Consider the story of Diane Lessig and Richard Brooks. They have been together for 18 years. Both are disabled. Both have been living in a tent in a South Jersey woodland for the past 4 years.
Through a series of mishaps and misfortune, they both lost their jobs and apartment. With nowhere else to turn, and falling through the cracks of the government system to receive social service agency support, they had no other choice but to make the nearby forest their home.
Imagine living with no heat, no electricity and no running water. Imagine braving the snowstorms and bitter cold of winter and the thunderstorms and extreme heat of summer, all with only a tent for shelter. Imagine the danger of wild animals looming. Imagine the frustration of not knowing what to do and no one caring.
Their plight was publicized in local newspapers when the police evicted them from their tent for "illegally squatting,: They were evicted from the woods, a place they never wanted to call home in the first place.
In stepped Don Harris, a local businessman. He helped the couple sift through the mountains of governmental red tape to receive the support and services they were entitled to. He helped both secure disability payments which were long overdue. And he helped to get the one-bedroom subsidized apartment where they now reside.
Homeless no more, they now have the "luxury" of running water, heat and electricity. Their dwelling may not seem much to most people, but to Diane and Richard, it is like living in an Atlantic City posh condo.
You appreciate those so-called "luxuries" of life when you don't have them anymore.
Don Harris doesn't consider himself a hero or a good Samaritan. Hr just wanted to help someone in need because he cares.
Spring is also the season to feel young again, a season of refreshing renewal. Consider the story of George Blevins from Connerville, Indiana. George is 100 years old. He has been an avid bowler since the age of 7, back in 1013.
George still bowls 3 times a week and maintains a 151 average. He has won the past 2 titles of the National Senior Citizen Olympics.
And even though he recently went from a 16-pound bowling ball to a 12-pounder, he has no intention of giving up the game he loves.
"Why should I?" he says. "It keeps me young."
Just like Spring itself.
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