Advocate

Helping Others By Helping Yourself

It’s now 5:30 in the afternoon, and I spent my early morning taking our special needs son for his annual physical. Being an advocate for a person with a mental disability can be a challenge. Fortunately for me, my son was diagnosed as “high functioning” back in the day. But I’ve seen the hassle and determination it takes to deal with the disabilities of a far more severely handicapped person. So while I’m often commended for taking care of my wife and son, those folks should be given medals for what they have to do.

I’ve spent the better part of my day working on my poetry and other projects, like listening to others in need. I don’t really know what makes me this way, having the desire to help others. I guess maybe it comes from my own need of wanting to be loved and paid attention to. But for whatever scientific term it is, I’m sure it comes with the stamp of “defective” somewhere.

The thing is, despite whatever labels have gotten stuck on me throughout the years—the one I am proudest of is aware. I know that may sound a little weird, but awareness is a gift that has gotten me out of a lot of trouble. Throughout our “best friend” era, it was being aware that gave me insight to save many a friend. During my parenting and caregiving years, it has helped me stumble through raising a good bunch of kids and keeping them alive.

Even now in my official retirement era, awareness is keeping my head on fairly straight. By helping me remain aware of my mental and physical health. So I can live now far beyond the years I was expected. While I am and always will be an advocate for the ones that need a hand, it is my growing awareness for myself that creates the value. Not only for myself, but for those that depend on me.

#Awareness #Clarity #Generous #Selfless #TakingCareOfYourself