LIVING WITH A DISABILITY. To struggle when hope is banished, To live when life's salt is gone! To dwell in a dream that's vanished - To endure, and go calmly on. - (Ben Johnson) Anyone who suffers from any kind of physical handicap needs to have a great sense of humour. Laughter is a wonderful morale builder,also one of the greatest mental tonics in the world,better than a tranquilizer and without the side effects. We cannot worry and laugh at the same time, nor can we stay down in the dumps or feel blue as long as we are laughing. When we laugh at ourselves our troubles take a back seat. When life's problems seem overwhelming it helps to look around and see what other people are coping with. Our own troubles may not seem so hard to take then. The serenity prayer has comforted millions of people,with all sorts of problems. I know it helped me focus on the things I can still do, while at the same time recognizing and accepting that there are certain tasks beyond my capability. Having the right attitude,determines our quality of life. Did you ever watch a group of child amputees playing games and taking part in all sorts of activities? They have the most positive attitude and consequently they feel that nothing is impossible. They are always willing to help other members on their team, and we would all be much happier if we followed their example. We need to put less emphasis on our handicaps and more on lending a helping hand by trying to make a difference in the lives of others. There are volunteer jobs for people with every level of ability. The only qualification needed is for us to care about other people. I volunteer at the local hospital,and I find that by doing things for others I am really helping myself.It makes me feel useful and needed and that boosts my self esteem a lot. It has been said that when one loses a limb it is like losing a member of one's family. We go through a similar period of grieving. It took me quite a while to reach the point where I could even begin to accept that there are a lot worse things that could happen than losing a leg.. My family and friends have always been there for me, encouraging and lending their support.Without their help and love,it would have taken me much longer to adjust. Now I take one day at a time and try not to dwell on the past. It doesn't do much good to wish that I had not had surgery on my left knee,which led to complications when an infection set into the incision, and continued to get worse in spite of all the antibiotics and trips to the operating room that followed. Finally- it led to the amputation of my left leg. Some people can wear a prosthesis- but here again my luck ran out. An old wartime injury which happened when I was a child, during the battle of Britain. had caused a weakness in my right leg. Result being that I will never be able to use crutches or wear a prosthesis. Life is what we make it though, and I don't intend to let my handicap interfere too much with my enjoyment of living life to the fullest, The wheelchair waltz. "Can I have this dance"? There are a number of organizations which provide assistance and support to amputees, just as there are for people with any disability. The War Amps for one, offers financial assistance to help in the purchase of a prosthesis, as well as helpful advice. There are usually branches in most cities, and the address can be found in the yellow pages. The Shriners too are well known for their work with Child Amputees. I am a member of the Council of the Disabled, and this group provides advocacy to government,businesses, groups and individuals on rights of people with disabilities. They also provide employment counselling services and have an extensive resource library with disability related information which can be borrowed. To help promote a positive attitude, remember- always put the person before the disability. We are coping with a disability,but we still have a wide range of talents, strengths and abilities to share too. People in wheelchairs go for 'walks'. I have a motorized scooter, so am able to take the dog out on scoot walks.(He walks-I ride!) And finally - please don't lean on or push a wheelchair unless asked. A very special award from Skerr. Thankyou. Many thanks to .. .