Letters To The Editor


Thursday, March 24, 2011
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Letters To The Editor

Keep seniors in mind
Dear Editor,

Thank God for an angel of mercy.

Recently, I was driving along the road in my community and found an elderly female of the community on the ground and was unable to get herself up. I managed to lift her and get her into my truck. I didn’t know what to do after that. I used my cell phone and called one neighbor that the lady said she was on her way to visit, but there was no answer. I knew that this lady had been cantankerous with just about everybody in the community that helped her before, so I was reluctant to call other neighbors or even her relatives.

Finally it dawned on me that from the talk in the community, there was one lady who could communicate with her. I drove over to her house and went in and told her what had happened and asked if she could help. She did not hesitate and said, “Yes, I will take care of cousin.” I left the lady with Cousin Annie May Chairs. She was able to take the lady to the hospital and get her examined and return the lady to her home later that evening. Cousin Annie May, you are an angel of mercy. Thank you.

I feel a need to write this letter not only to thank Cousin Annie May, but to sound a wake-up call as well. There are many senior citizens in our communities, living alone and needing careful attention. Yes, I know, older senior citizens can be disagreeable and ill-tempered, and even quarrelsome; however, we still need to care for them. So please, please, please, let’s keep our seniors in mind and watch.

Brankley Spight
Holly Springs

Meals on Wheels
Dear Editor,

Please do a story on “Meals on Wheels.” It is supposed to help disabled and aged people. It is a way of showing mercy to people who are having a difficult time and showing human concern for them. So it is a good project.

I am disabled, and I have gotten these meals for several years because of my disability. I will be 65 years old this year. I really do appreciate the help and the meals have been a blessing for me.

But starting Jan. 1, 2011, the project has changed the rules. You must be home and at the door to sign a paper for the meals. They do not accept a note, signed by you, or leave it at your door or with a neighbor if you do not sign the paper in person in front of them.

Now handicapped people or aged people are not fast to open a door. They are sick people, sometimes in the restroom or in their bed. They cannot run to a door quickly or even be expected to. It takes time to reach a door. Sometimes they have doctor’s appointments or may have to stay with a friend if really sick. These people have problems that are real and that is why you are giving them help. You cannot expect them to be waiting at a door all the time.

This morning, I was in bed asleep. I do not sleep well at night. I have a lot of pain in my legs and feet. I missed the bell. They claim they honked their horn and rang several times. I do not believe that; but I was home and did not hear them. I am told, “It is too bad. Now you will have to wait until next week to get your meals. You missed your chance for this week and you will have to do without the meals. They cannot be expected to wait a long time at a door because others are waiting for their meals, too. So if I do not answer the door immediately, I will just lose on meals for the week. That is what the rules are now.

What kind of program is this now? Is this what we do to people that we claim to be helping? What happened to the caring for the people? Do they have to miss a week of meals if they are on the commode or sick in bed? Is this really showing mercy?

I would gladly give these people a note on my door with my signature on it to leave my box of meals at my door or with my neighbor. If I have to go to a doctor or somewhere, I will consent to have a neighbor take my box, and I will sign a paper to that effect. But it is really unkind to expect me to be always sitting at a door. I do not know when they are coming. They have been hours late when their car broke down or one of their helpers did not show up that day or their truck was late. Some days they did not come at all when it snowed. They never call you to tell you what is happening. People who are aged and sick have lives too. How unreasonable of them to expect you to be standing at a door waiting on them to ring a bell, so they can run off quickly! Aged and disabled people cannot do that! I am afraid to go to the toilet on the mornings they come until they arrive. This is cruel, not kind! Please, speak up for us. I know the people who developed this program never meant to be cruel. They do not mean for their workers to be cruel. This needs to be addressed and corrected. Thank you!

Yours truly,
Judy L. Wheeler
Holly Springs

Keep up great work
Dear Barry,

On behalf of the Byhalia Area Chamber of Commerce, I would like to compliment you once again on an excellent annual Profile Edition. I agree with Mary Minor in last week’s thank you letter – reading positive news is a delight and each person’s story is unique and special.

I can’t say how many hours and “blood, sweat and tears” you and your staff put into producing The South Reporter and The Pigeon Roost News on a weekly basis, but know you are appreciated and we are very thankful to have you to share the news with so many. Sue, Barbara, Linda and all of your staff make every effort to reach out and cover the businesses, events and stories of Marshall County.

Just want to say “thank you” and keep up the great work!

Sarah Sawyer
Executive Director
Byhalia Area Chamber of Commerce

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