Support systems we all need
Hi neighbors. As we get older we all need help now and then. I'm at that stage in my life when I need help with certain chores around the house: mowing the grass, cleaning carpets, painting and gardening. We all have things to do that often require more than one person to get them done.
I got to thinking about how much we, as humans, depend on our families, friends, extended families and communities to get through our everyday lives.
Sit down with your children or grandchildren and name people who offer you a support system you may never need, or that you may need for many years.
First, are our parents. As pretty helpless babies, toddlers, children and teens, we can't get along in the community or the world in general without our parents, siblings, grandparents and other family members. Families offer the basic needs for survival like food, shelter, protection and guidance. For most of us, our families are our first and most long-lasting support system.
The next complex social system we encounter is the school system. Whether public or private, schools are our first step out the door and into the social group known as our peers. In school, these peer meetings are monitored and used to help children adapt to community living by teaching group etiquette and social skills.
Another structured system that many of us encounter throughout our lives is our church community, or the community that teaches us spiritual awareness and moral obligations. Here in the United States, religious teaching and civil teachings are handled by separate social branches known collectively as "church and state." We can learn any religious teachings we choose without being required to adhere to any specific religion favored by the government. Religious freedom has always been one of the big reasons people have come to America.
Each local community has other service organizations that citizens depend upon for support. The local police, sheriff, highway patrol, fire fighters, and game wardens; are all expected not to only protect us but also to serve us when we need help. Ever had your car break down in bad weather on a busy highway? Seeing those flashing lights approaching always brings a sigh of relief! Citizens' trust in their local protectors is essential to a community's safety.
The statewide National Guard and the national military services we trust to stand between us and those who would harm us. Those who are young and able and so inclined freely join these organizations proudly to serve the citizens of our country.
Let's not forget those who serve us daily as needed. Doctors, nurses, nursing assistants, private caregivers, and locally funded health clinics, often work day and night to supply needed health services.
Most of us can make it through life on our own or with the help of our family. Many of us need community help rarely. Some of us need intensive services at certain points in our life. Most people in Nevada and Vernon County don't realize the resources needed to help those in dire need.
If your house burns down or blows away and everything you own is gone; what do you do? Where do you go to sleep that night? How do you get clothing to go to work the next day and for your children to go to school? How do you replace all the food in your pantry and freezer?
These things happen to people. If you have family close by, as always, family is the primary support service. But if you have no family nearby, you need to turn to the community for help. Almost any of the local services can help you get in touch with the specific assistance you need. Check out the "resource guide" in most telephone books. Look in the yellow pages for listings of local service organizations. Don't hesitate to ask for help when you need it. And when you are fortunate to not need it, volunteer to help those who do.
Until the next time friends, remember, we are all responsible for our fellow citizens in our community; and we depend on them to be responsible for our welfare in times of need.