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Count Your
Blessings
In reference to the value of cheerfulness and living for today, I wanted to
relate a constituent meeting that I had recently that illustrated these
characteristics.
Pam Wolfanberger asked to see me explaining that she was a paraplegic as a
result of an accident, and wanted to discuss a federal regulation that
prohibited her from leaving the house for any significant time. I was
reluctant to go see her because Members of Congress do not normally make
house calls, but some members of her church encouraged me to do so.
As I went into her home, I saw the perfect example of community, helping
others and service. Pam's church, University Baptist Church, had built her
home which was handicapped accessible and served as Pam's support group.
Pam had to have help getting out of bed in the morning, but once she was in
her wheelchair she could do a great deal around the house, writing, work on
the internet, research and house chores. Pam was concerned because a
government regulation says she could not receive in-home nursing care unless
she confined herself to the home at all times except for infrequent and
irregular trips of short duration.
Pam wanted this rule changed so that she would have the freedom to leave as
she had opportunities to help others. She wanted to be involved in her
community and had the view that as long as God left her here on earth, she
had a purpose, mission and contribution to make.
Her cheerfulness, optimism and desire to serve others, serve as an
inspiration to me to make more of the opportunity that I have.
Asa Hutchinson
Administrator, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration
Former Congressman from Arkansas
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