[TGE-mail] November neighborhoods column from Rep. Oxford

[Jeanette Mott Oxford]

November: A Great Time
To Reflect and Offer Thanks

Since my mother’s death in 1987 and my father’s death in 1997, I have not
yet settled into one particular Thanksgiving tradition to replace what
had previously been my norm. My partner and I have shared in a variety of
enjoyable and meaningful celebrations with friends and relatives over the
past ten years, and I am glad that almost all of these gatherings
included taking some time to name aloud the things for which we are
grateful.

In 2007 I am feeling especially grateful because I am successfully
recovering from total knee replacement of my right knee on September 25.
I am thankful to my surgeon and the wonderful staff at St. Luke’s
Hospital who took such good care of me. I found so much kindness and
professionalism from nurses and techs, housekeepers and physical
therapists, social workers and occupational therapists, the whole St.
Luke’s staff.

I am also very thankful to the many who sent flowers, get well cards, and
even a fruit basket as signs of support. In addition, many friends and
neighbors have run errands for me or driven me to appointments during the
period in which I have not been able to drive myself. There is an
American myth of the "rugged individualist," but I believe life really
works better when we are all connected in a web of mutual support. My
wish is that every neighborhood in St. Louis will become such a place of
healthy interdependence!

Of course I am very thankful to have health insurance that allowed me to
have this needed surgery. I was glad, if surprised, to hear Gov. Blunt
recently announce an "Insure Missouri" plan that could offer coverage to
more low-wage workers. In 2005, thousands of such workers were cut off of
Medicaid; 170,000 persons lost Medicaid between 2005 and 2007, and
300,000 lost some services. I hope that Gov. Blunt’s announcement finally
signals that Missouri will be moving in the right direction on this
issue.

While I am expressing thanks, let me point out a few other points on my
gratitude list for this year:

- I am thankful that so many citizens are participating in Weed and Seed
and other community meetings to reduce and prevent crime and make our
neighborhoods more stable. The large and diverse crowd at the Benton Park
West annual meeting on Oct. 20 was a very positive sign for growth in the
coming year. 

- I am thankful for the new accessibility ramps at Epiphany United Church
of Christ, 2911 McNair, meeting place for Benton Park Neighborhood
Association. The ramps were lovingly dedicated on Oct. 14.

- I am thankful that I am receiving fewer calls complaining about
students
at Roosevelt High School. I rejoice that at least 60 persons are now
working on committees to support the school. Principal Terry Houston is
an inspiring role model for students and community members alike.

I’m hoping you also have much for which to feel thankful in 2007 and that
you’ll take some time to express your gratitude during November.