Susan Senator

Community is a funny thing. Tonight I went to a special Town Meeting, with only two warrant articles, both about a very slight tax increase. I was amazed and heartened by the fact that we had a quorum and then some, on this late day in August, when my town is mostly only haunted by families like mine who neglected to make end-of-summer plans, or overly-excited and lost college students. Yet, enough Town Meeting Members turned out to vote on this prickly question, considering the economy: whether to increase by .75% our meals tax, which would result in an annual increase to our town budget of about $800,000. But my town, I’m proud to say, has a strong sense of community, of doing what we need to maintain the services, pensions, healthcare plans, building renovations.

The vote was a slam-dunk, 166-6. Democracy in action; one opponent even spoke against, and everyone just listened — although I smirked a little at his incredibly weak argument. Anyway, I was pleased to share values with the majority of neighbors.

This morning, another encounter with community. I met with the man whom I mentioned in a previous post, who is putting together a group home in the next few years. He was able to explain to me so much more of what I need to know to seek out services for Nat. I must apply for his Section 8 voucher now, for instance. But I also must plan a future without that money, also. How is it all done? I’m finding out, bit-by-bit. But one thing that is clear: the more families you get to know that are like yours, the more successful you will be. You learn this as a young autism parent, when you are first beginning your journey into Special Needs Land. Who is it, but the other parents you meet, that help you get through it, that show you the ropes? The older parents show you an idea of the future; the younger parents let you in on the latest therapies, schools, and favored specialists.

We all need each other. It’s the only way. We are not islands. We are social beings. It is human nature to want to do good. I saw that tonight, at Town Meeting. I see it at Special Olympics, where people volunteer year after year simply to help a kid compete in a sport. No matter what you need, it’s always better to share the work, share the pain, and with others, to celebrate the victories.