Powerful Elders
The elders' workshop in Maryland went well - small (twelve people), but powerful. All women, age range fifty-two to eighty-three. Since it was so small, we had time to hear from each person and to get a good picture of each other's struggles. There were two women in wheelchairs, and we discussed whether people in wheelchairs should have to bring someone along to workshops to help with their needs. (It was raised by one of the people in a wheelchair.) The consensus was that we are trying to create a Community where everyone is welcome and that using workshop participants to help is a gift to the helpers, since it gives them closer exposure to dealing with disabilities and helps de-mystify it. On the last night, the eldest told her life story - most inspiring!
Joyce Millman
Evanston, Illinois
USA