This was my final column for The Phoenix, published 1n 2008..
Final column for now; thanks to my Readers
Dear Readers, This will be my final “Wheeling around Phoenixville” column, at least for now.
It's been so much fun writing this column for two years — close to 70 columns!!! At first, I
wondered, "What will I write about?" The topics were so narrow. But the stories came easy.
Other than digging for stories and doing research, many times, just when I thought, "OK, what
can I write about this week that is disability-related?" something would happen in the news, and
a story would evolve.
We talked about celebrities and not-so-famous people, who have overcome their challenges in
life. We have offered insight, help and advice. My favorite columns to write were showcasing
others who have overcome or made the best of their situations - and have tried hard to live life to
its fullest. Their special stories inspired me a great deal too
.
Stories were brought to light that might otherwise have slipped through the cracks, stories that
needed to be shared. I'm proud I was able to bring these stories to you.
My thanks to The Phoenix for running my column for two years. There are magazines devoted to
disability issues around, but very few newspapers that have a regular column devoted especially
to disability issues. So my appreciation to the editor and the paper.
Most of all, thank you to the loyal readers, who looked forward to the articles every other week. I
got many letters and emails, most favorable, from not only local Phoenixville neighbors, but
from people across the country, who read the columns on line. I always appreciated your support
and comments. I was a bit surprised, but happy, that the articles were so well received.
Your encouragement meant a lot to me. It made me feel good to know that the Wheeling
columns were not only inspiring, but educational, interesting and fun too. I hope many of my
stories just made you feel GOOD after reading them.
I have shared personal thoughts and feelings (not always easy to do), respected differences of
opinion, and hopefully helped you to feel what it is like to go through life as a physically challenged
individual. I never intended to speak for ALL disabled people, only from my
particular point of view.
They weren't literary masterpieces, that’s for sure - I'm a social worker, not a writer - but they
came from the heart. And the writing process gave me a new-found respect for those who write
for a living.
Most of all, I wanted to stress ABIILITY over disability. I wanted people to think. I wanted
others to see life as I do and know that things can always be worse. I wanted people who were
undergoing different challenges in their lives not to give up hope.
I think we succeeded in the two years of columns. We got people thinking and feeling, and
hopefully, becoming more sensitive to others.
I wrote my articles for free, as a community-service, giving back to the great people of
Phoenixville. I only hope my writing has touched you in some way. If only one story made you
think, made you cry, made you smile, and especially, gave you HOPE, then these columns were
worth writing.
I never like to say goodbye, so I will just say "so long" for now. Who knows? If something
interesting happens in the disability world, maybe The Phoenix will allow me to come back as a
"guest columnist?"
I've really enjoyed writing these articles for you. I think the column has helped me just as much
as it has hopefully helped you. I've learned about myself a great deal in these two years.
If you see me around town, please say hi. Til then, I hope I have helped, in some small way, the
way we all look at others. We really aren't so different after all. We all have a heart and soul. So
please, continue to look beyond physical differences and see the good in your neighbor. Treat
each other with kindness, respect and love.
Thank you again for the chance to write for you. I hope to see you again sometime.
As always, ‘til we meet again, KEEP ROLLIN’!!!!!!!!!!!
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