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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Goderich Signal-Star, 1982-12-08, Page 5Han Dear Editor, I am writing this letter in regards to the appalling decision of our beloved leaders (and I use the term loosely) to close the Bluewater Centre. It is quite apparent that Mr. Davis and Mr. Drea do PP d are human too not have any close association with a han- dicapped person, because if that was the case, they wouldn't feel so free, in casting them aside, like an old shoe. A human being, no matter of anv imperfections. has the right - no - the unquestionable privilege to be treated like a human being, with respect and dignity. I have enclosed a poem that I believe says it all. I would greatly appreciate acknowledgement of this THINK OF ME FIRST AS A PERSON You look at me with pity, concern or indifference, for I -am a retarded child. But you only see the outside me. If I could express myself, I would tell you what I am inside. I am very much like you. I feel pain and hunger. I cannot ask politely for a glass of water, but'I know the parched dry feeling of thirst. I itch when mosquitoes bite me and run when I see -a 2 T fel eazy da irxk-i-rx rr&`inthe;kitehen vvhen a snowstorm blusters outside. I had a.heaviness inside when I left my mother to board the minibus for school, My eyes dart back and forth. seeking escape, but knowing there was none. When my sister takes me to the playground and children call me names, she cries and takes me home. Then I feel warm and dizzy, and it is hard for me to breathe. Mother's eyes are wet; she holds me and tells me a story, and I forget the children's jeers. When I dress myself and Mother pats my head, saying, "Good job, Jim!" I feel...big. As big as Greg, who goes to second grade. I am a child — in age now, and in ability always. letter, either to your paper or to Mr. Davis or Mr. Drea, or preferably to both sour- ces. A concerned sister, Deb Williams, Windsor I find the touch of soft toys and snuggly dogs comforting, I love the toys of childhood — a kite, balloon, a wagon to pull. I like to let go at the top of a slide and after dizzy seconds find myself at the bottom. I like sleds on soft snow, the wetness of rain on my forehead. Though it is comfortable to be babied, I am less dependent when people treat me as a big boy. I don't want their sym- pathy. I--want-their respect -for what 1 can.de. _ I am slow, and many things you take for granted are hard for me. I can hardly understand what. "tomorrow" means. It took me months tolearn to pedal the tall blue tricycle, but I was so proud when at last both feet 'pedaled in the same direction and the wheels went forward. How happy I was when I turned on the right faucet to get a drink of water. I didn't want to ever turn it off. If I can learn at my own pace and still be accepted, I can fit into a world where slowness is suspect. Think of me first as a person, who hurts and loves and feels joy. And know I am a child to encourage and direct. Smile, and say hello — even that is enough. Service on council rewarding ... from page 4 and promoted through public awareness and exposure, publicity becomes a friendly helper "for a good cause". These two areas were perhaps not always understood by everybody. I worked in the position steadily and intensely for twelve continuous years. It is not the kind of work one does well without loving it. I loved every hour, week and year of it, but then came a point where I felt that I had done my share in this par- ticular field and perhaps it is time to enjoy other vistas, to contribute from other perspectives, to look beyond other horizons. And to make room for new talents and fresh contributions on the council I started to feel a lit- tle like a bright pupil in a classroom where She is ask- ed to take the same course over and over again. I also want to spend more time in 'a more relaxed way with my husband who is now retired and who for years has steadily supported my work, absences, ups and downs, with gentle patience and good humour. In my little farewell speech to the outgoing coun- cil at our last meeting the week before I referred to the recent election -time speeches in which many can- didates stressed the rough and tough challenges facing the new council. I took the liberty of pointing out the op- posite. The task of the in- coming council is made much easier because they in- herit a municipal corpora- tion that is in a healthy and excellent shape in every department and area, has an outstanding municipal reputation, and whose methods and policies often serve as examples of pro- gressive, up-to-date and open municipal government. It is a collective achieve- ment wherOin4ividual pride and freely offered initiative has its trusted and honoured place; it is an establishment based on mutual respect and recognition of every part of its whole. It must offer great encouragement to the in- coming council who has a position of trust to further build in a positive spirit on the fine and solid foundation which has gradually developed through many past councils and which is handed to you with many constructive additions. I am proud of having been an active part of these con- siderable • collective• achievements. I say "having been", but I do not mean goodbye. My interest, con- cern, participation in municipal affairs will take other forms, but it will con- tinue because I. feel that I have become a firm and solid part of this community. I wish to thank the many, .many people (some from out of town) who have contacted me one way or another since I made it known that I am not seeking re-election. I found in their kind and generous words much delightful encouragement and a warm reward. Most of you know my philosophy, views and stand on many issues. If I can be of any help to anyone, with in- formation, advice or in any other form, I hope you will not hesitate to get in touch with me whenever a good and positive cause is in need. of support or 'whenever an ,objectionable trend or method ought to be question- ed and fought. I mean it most sincerely when I say that I remain. As ever, Elsa Haydon Quotables GODERICH SIGNAL -STAR, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8,1 PAGE 5 "Holly Bear" Our two cuddly mascots, 'HoIIy Bear' and 'Bear Claus' team up with Santa Claus to bring you some super gift ideas! 49 ,!. ar'=��•jr�h'IJ,• • it • "Age does not diminish the extreme .disappointment of having a scoop of ice cream fall from the cone." -Jim • Fiebig. "The only way to make a man trustworthy is to trust him." -Henry L. Stimson. r • ;At 47. Take advantage of this • Pre -Christmas Special! From Now Until Sunday, December 12 Ga iotse rx English Leather "For the male in every man" and Cam bridge "The Gentleman's Favourite" O/O OFF SUGGESTED LIST PRICE Another Great Gift Suggestion: More. gift suggestions, sure to please: Keepsake Bears, Plush Toys •Hummel Clocks •Hummel Music Boxes -®Crystal and Porcelain Vases *Tea Pots •Tins of Tea ••Tea Trays• •.Decckratwe—Soap &_Tofin►l Trays . •Maggi -B Bags for men and women *Nice Things from Yardley •Bronnley Soaps •Vitabat.h ©Fine China Cups & Saucers •Mugs •Hockey Sticks ®Mak'< Up Mirrors •.C.u.r_IirigJr-onso - •Hair Dryers .Electric Shavers •Fine Porcelain Vases, Candle Holders, Dishes from Kaiser Porcela Manin -.- • icure Seta •Collectors' Plates *Dansk Vases -. *Plus many .other fine gifts Phar m. 14 SHOPPERS SQUARE GODERICH 524-7241 COSMETIC BAGS: • 6.00 to 31.00 FREE GIFT WRAPPING ON REQUEST SENCHAL 2.95 PIERRE CARDIN A wilder, richer experience from For men! Charles Of The Ritv. 6.50 co 29.00 WHITE SHOULDERS YARDLEY The beautiful and lasting per- Everything you need to be ready fume. I for anything. • 3.00 to 17.00„ 4.00 to'1'1.00 ANAIS ANAIS Very feminine. 7 18.00 to 48.00 1 ENJOLI The 8 hour cologne for the 24 hour won. 2.95to18.00 'QUARTZ Evokes prestige and good taste., 9.00 to 37.50 GAULOISE The Essence Of France. 26.00 to 46.00 Available Individually or in gift sets 'Holly Bear' and 'Bear Claus' have lots of exciting gift ideas forevery member of the family! 1, /SA KPaf md 14 SHOPPERS SQUARE GODERICH 524-77241 OPEN./ THURSDAYS& FRIDAYS TILL 9 P.M. OPEN SUNDAYS 12-5 P.M.