IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS THAT COUNT – #1 - HEAVY DOORS

This is the first of several THOUGHTS that I will share with you over a period of time. There are so many little things in life that count; that is, can make a big difference. Some are little things that we could do but don’t or do but we shouldn’t. Some are things that I see from my wheelchair that could make a big difference in the lives of people.

One of these little things that can make a difference is the HEAVY DOOR. There are many doors with designs that flow together with the whole scheme of the building. In addition, they are constructed to meet local, state and/or national fire codes. To most people, these are just doors, but to those who are weak, who walk with crutches, a cane, or a walker, or who use a wheelchair, they become an obstacle. A heavy door can cause these people to lose their balance and can even keep some from opening the door.

It may be that someone has already designed a light-weight door that meets fire codes and is aesthetically pleasing. If you know of such doors, please let me know. If you have knowledge of fire retardant materials and have a talent for design, would you consider designing a door that will give access to all?

A heavy door might seem like a minor thing in a world with so many problems, but a lighter door would make life so much easier for the few for whom that heavy door becomes a barrier instead of an entrance.

GOD’S PEACE. SEE YOU AT THE HOUSE.

02/24/07

IF YOU HAVE A SNIFFLE, DON’T GO

I have posted on the Prayer Page a prayer request for Ian who is now in a Burn Unit at a Shriner’s Hospital. When his Pastor sent the Prayer request, he stated, "If you have even a sniffle, don’t go to visit Ian because of the extreme high risk of infection."

This statement brought a question into my mind. Why do we put others at risk by being in public when we are not feeling well and can pass those unwelcome germs on to others? What right do I have as a customer to put a server in a restaurant or a clerk in a store at risk by sneezing and blowing my nose while they are waiting on me? What right do I have to sit in a church pew or a theater and cough, sneeze, and blow with all of the people sitting around me?

On the other side of the counter, I realize that the person who is ill, yet at work, would rather be home, but the employer says NO, you must be here. So I ask the employer, what right do you have to place my health at risk by requiring people who are ill to be present, especially in the flu season?

Customers must ask the question: "What is more important – serving my own needs or protecting the health of others?"

Employers must ask the question: "What is more important – the potential dollar I can earn or protecting the health of others?"

My doctor and dentist and their staff wear a mask when they are responding to my needs. Should employers provide masks and require them to be worn whenever there is a hint of illness? Should I, as a customer, always have a mask with me to protect others?

If you have a sniffle don’t go.  This may be the best gift you can give to someone.

GOD’S PEACE. SEE YOU AT THE HOUSE.

03/02/07