Here's the latest article from the Disabilities site at BellaOnline.com.

Book Review - Nana, Can You Hear Me?
Review of Jean Kenney's Book - Nana, Can You Hear Me?

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art31933.asp

Well Christmas is upon us and I’m sure there are many such as myself that have not yet completed their Christmas shopping. When I go to local stores to work on my list I can’t help but notice how busy everyone is with their own list. I look around and see all those like myself running in to grab this or that. I stand in the long lines and try to wait patiently because I have so many other things to do and I wonder about those who are disabled. How are they faring this holiday season? The economy alone is enough to give us pause prior to making purchases. Is this something that we really need to buy? Will it be useful for the intended recipient?

Those who are disabled often live on fixed incomes. Holiday shopping is something that many including the disabled just really can’t afford to do right now. In this devastated economy often many of us can barely afford the essentials much less the luxury of Christmas shopping for others. Those with disabilities not only find it necessary to deal with price tags but the shopping alone can be very tiring and for the most part nearly impossible.

Do you know someone who is disabled? Perhaps there is something you can do to help them out this holiday season. For those without transportation maybe you could offer to take them along on a shopping trip or pick something up for them. When faced with crowded stores and long lines an offer to pick up a few groceries while you are out can be an exceptionally helpful offer. It could save them the hard work involved in making such a trip for needed items and make you feel really great for giving a few moments of your time to do the extra chore for someone that finds getting to the store difficult.

When making gift purchases for disabled loved ones or friends this year consider a nice food gift basket or something that will be useful. Help your child make a colorful coupon book for someone with offers such as a coupon to pick up a free loaf of bread or maybe some pet food for the disabled persons beloved pet companion.

There are so many ways we can help those who have mobility issues, those who cannot afford to Christmas shop, those who need a little extra help doing things to prepare for the holidays. It is an opportune time to show others compassion and to help them see that we do care about them and their needs.

I challenge each of you to do just one random act of kindness for someone who is disabled this Christmas. It doesn’t have to cost money, join a elderly or disabled neighbor for a cup of tea and a nice visit. Invite someone that is disabled to eat Christmas dinner with your family, offer someone who has no transportation or is physically unable to drive a ride to the store or somewhere else they need to go during the holidays. What ever you decide to do, do with a spirit of love and caring.

Matthew 5:7 (New King James Version) Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.



Please visit disabilities.bellaonline.com for even more great content about Disabilities.

To participate in free, fun online discussions, this site has a community forum all about Disabilities located here -

http://forums.bellaonline.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=postlist&Board=79

I hope to hear from you sometime soon, either in the forum or in response to this email message. I thrive on your feedback!

Have fun passing this message along to family and friends, because we all love free knowledge!

Deborah Pipas, Disabilities Editor
http://disabilities.bellaonline.com

One of hundreds of sites at BellaOnline.com