Self-esteem. A vital component to day to day functioning. At least as vital as the proteins and vitamins we consume, perhaps more. Some of us are blessed with a hefty dose embedded in our natural psyche. Some of us develop it by a series of successes in academics, in sports, or music or drama. Any area will do as long as we can hear the cheers from our imaginary audience. And then there are some that don’t. From early childhood on, they were the ones who couldn’t. Couldn’t do sports due to their physical disability. Failed academically due to feeling different than the rest of the class. And didn’t feel confident to even try to succeed in any area.
My legs are disabled but my mind is doing just fine
For most of us, the word ‘I’ permeates our conversation. I feel, I believe, I am worried about. But what exactly is that ’I’ ? We don’t think so much about the question since our various parts work together. We think of an idea, dial a friend to discuss it, click on the mouse to research it, walk to the appropriate place to procure what we need. But then there are the people whose parts do not work together. They’re bright, intelligent, creative. They have opinions. An idea may percolate in their minds but they are not able to make the phone call, use a computer, walk to the nearest store, speak to friends. And so the idea remains. Crying to be developed. Aching to be shared with others. Eventually deteriorating and dying the death of all its predecessors. And the ‘I’? The ‘I’ becomes embittered and withers away into nothingness.
There it stands, a picturesque chalet surrounded by luxuriant foliage in a rustic village located in Nechalim. From a distance it exudes a quiet loveliness but come closer and you’ll see that it is anything but quiet. Everywhere you look, there are motorized wheelchairs and their owners are going from here to there, busy, busy, busy, very intent on achieving their goals. Their goals are many – these severely handicapped young people. Some are unable to walk, others unable to speak but all have talents, opinions, desires.
There it stands, a picturesque chalet surrounded by luxuriant foliage in a rustic village located in Nechalim. From a distance it exudes a quiet loveliness but come closer and you’ll see that it is anything but quiet. Everywhere you look there are motorized wheelchairs and their owners are going from here to there, busy, busy, busy, very intent on achieving their goals. Their goals are many – these severely handicapped young people. Some are unable to walk, others unable to speak but all have talents, opinions, desires. Continue reading Hidden Away Among the Leaves there Lies A…
Ezer Mizion’s Strike A Match Division, under the able leadership of Mrs. Reisner, continues to make a difference in the lives of so many who approach the search for a marriage partner with a major strike against them. Continue reading When the Mazel Tov Seems So Far Away
Bella Stern’s math lesson: When you have less, give away more and the total will increase. It’s a tried and true method, says Mrs. Stern. It works every time. Mrs. Stern is past seventy and paralyzed from the waist down due to polio which she contracted as a child. She moves around with heavy leg braces on crutches. Many people who knew her from phone conversations are shocked when they meet her in person, never realizing the challenging physical condition she endures with such cheer and optimism. Continue reading Bella Stern’s Math Lesson
Menachem Weiss, a “special” teen, reports every week to Merkaz Ha’inyanim on an angle of life that he alone can talk about
Winding Up the Summer
Shalom dear readers!
It’s that time of year and I’m nervous again.
Ezer Mizion’s retreats for CP guys like me are fantastic. They’re a lot of fun. Being with friends who share the same experiences is…well, I have no words to describe it. But still I get nervous.
One retreat is always not so far from home, and if there is a problem, someone from my family can come right away.
I’ve been going to these retreats for many years now, since I was a little boy. And each year I arrive feeling tense. Continue reading I’m Nervous…
Summer is here and with it, children everywhere are gearing up for a fun-filled, revitalizing and exciting summer season. Ezer Mizion’s summer camps, as you so well know, ensure that even special needs children and children battling cancer can look forward to a memorable and enriching summer camp experience.
This year have introduced upgrades in many of our camps. We are gratified to share with you a sampling. Continue reading Hooray! It’s Camp Time Again!
Doctor visits. Not very exciting but for Yisroel, those are the only times he steps out of his routine. Unable to do what most of us take for granted-hop on a bus and go wherever we like-Yisroel is dependent on others for every move. This week was special for him. The Ezer Mizion driver arrived in Jerusalem 15 minutes ahead of schedule. For Yisroel, those fifteen minutes were a surprise gift. His relationship with the driver, and all Ezer Mizion drivers, was that of a friend and he felt perfectly comfortable in suggesting that they use the time to stop of at the gravesite of Samuel, the prophet , to pray. The driver was thrilled at the opportunity to give Yisroel that extra something. You see, the inside of an Ezer Mizion driver is not comprised of nickels and dimes. Inside, he is one big heart.
