As I write this, I
am contemplating the perennial question facing all Vermonters at this
time of year - is there proof that spring is here and the long winter
is giving up its hold on us? Is it that the wood stove's voracious
appetite of just a few weeks ago has diminished? Is it seeing the smoke
curling out of sugarhouses perched on side-hills around the state? Or
is it the mud that seems to be everywhere? It is, of course, all
of these things and countless other signs that permeate the corners of
our mind. All of us have our special memories that make up how we feel
and talk about the seasons we enjoy in Vermont. Some of the
recollections are of harshness - how cold the weather, how deep the
snow, how high the humidity or how much rain. I sometimes think we do
that to be reminded of the fact that we have survived much worse. And
we tell the stories of the survival as a way of expressing our hope.In this issue of the newsletter, we continue to stress the significance of "story." Telling our story is, after all, something that each of us can do. In telling the story, we find a voice to let others know of our values, needs, concerns and emotions in a tangible, easy-to-understand manner. Lately, all of us here at Parent to Parent have been listening closely to the stories we are hearing from the families with whom we work. In these stories, we are hearing quite a bit about the sense of uncertainty associated with the threat of budget cuts, rising insurance premiums, and the elimination of needed services. Our own collective story is that we have anxiety that a budget deficit inevitably means families have to do with less. Quite frankly, we don't get the logic in that argument.
We are reminded that few important issues of our time have been decided without the compelling nature of personal stories. The outcomes of national debates and important legislation always rely heavily on the power of people's stories.
As we met as a staff recently to struggle with how we would bring optimism and reality to the implications of the budget issues, we concluded that there are too many variables surrounding the subject to make absolute predictions. What we do know is that too many of our families have needs that are unfulfilled even before decisions are being made to limit coverage and reduce benefits.
We do find optimism in the fact that many people - parents, professionals, and legislators alike - are making compelling arguments to protect hard-earned benefits. We hold fast to the belief that we can do more than just maintain a status quo for services for children with special needs. We feel it is imperative that we all work toward meeting all the critical needs of children.
Through all of this, we hold tight to the optimism that people find ways to meet their needs. And while we have tried to convey the message that each voice is of absolute importance - that each person is vitally important as an individual - we also know that in combination with other voices, the message becomes stronger.
We at Parent to Parent of Vermont will continue to work with families to find solutions and provide a place for voices to be heard. Working with all facets of the community, and with the community's support, we will strive to find solutions. Toward this end, we hope we have provided some tools that families can use as they tell their stories. And above all, we must never forget that every person - every voice - can make a significant difference.
