On Tuesday 03 Sep 2002 4:41 pm, Cleveland, Kyle E. wrote:
> I know this is an old thread, but Outlook's default displays my
> messages newest to oldest.
>
> I agree sincerely, Deri, that aging folks often feel as they are
> being left on life's rubbish pile--especially in Western cultures
> where youth and physical beauty are the ideal.
>
> I also agree that it is as important to allow folks to serve you as
> it is to serve others.  I can do many things (fewer as I age,
> though), but I do enjoy giving people the satisfaction of "helping"
> me do something I know I can manage on my own.  We all feel good
> when we help others (most of us, anyway).
>
> I think the man in Kat's case, though, went beyond the pale in
> making a show.  I could be wrong; I wasn't in his head to know his
> motive.  I do know that most of us CPers also need to feel "useful"
> and "needed".  It certainly presents a conundrum when both parties
> need to feel the world "needs" them, no?
>
> -Kyle
>

Not really a dichotomy if your sense of "need" is satisfied by
gratifying a "need" in someone else. One positive thing about being
disabled is that it increases your power of making other people feel
good about themselves.

Cheers

Deri