By Georgie Bright Kunkel

No, I don’t really want to return to the age of dinosaurs because according to the experts there weren’t any people in the beginning. But I would like to improve conditions in this techie world of ours. You have read what I have written about the complexity of life in the corporate, urban world. I am living it so I know what it takes to move mountains to affect change to serve more of humanity. I know that you have all experienced life in this complex world and some of you have given up trying to get all your needs met. Just think, the fat cats who escape into their ivory towers at the top are far removed from people who march for improved conditions for everyone.

Just this week I decided not to sit still for it anymore. I decided to take action to get one little improvement down at my local library, which was established over sixty years ago. In fact, my son was the first person to check out a book at this local library so I thought with this longtime connection to my library they might serve the needs of those who like to read in the reading room. So I asked for higher chairs to be brought in for those who need such a convenience. I waited a while but no success. Finally I was given a form to fill out which was forwarded up the ladder so that those who had the power to send the higher chair to my local library would act. NOT. After a year or so there is still no higher chair. Once again I complained loud and long. I was told that my local library had sent in the request and that is all they could do. So I went up the ladder. I called the central library and was told I had to go through my local library to complain. I said I had already sent in a written complaint and waited several months and was told, “It takes quite a while for improvements to be made.” Back to square one. I couldn’t resist telling the library staff person that I might not be around to enjoy this higher chair if it didn’t arrive soon.

Now here I am, wondering how one person can change the world to make it more responsive to the needs of all citizens. It doesn’t seem fair, for example, that people are complaining about immigrants wanting to come here when all our ancestors came from some other continent, right? I admit, the world is limited in livable space but we must find a way for everyone who is born to live a pleasant life.

As I walked down to the library today I was mulling all this over and wondering how I could do my share to make the world better. When I came to the library doors a young woman with a little preschool child held the door open for me. We got to talking and it turns out that she is new to this community and doesn’t know anyone. I gave her my contact information and told her that she was welcome to come to my home to see my doll collection.

My mother’s complaint that all her old friends were dead has echoed in my mind for many years, and I have decided that I will not echo that cry. People were meant to live in community and not be separated from each other so I decided that I will reach out to younger people. I have stories to tell and advice to give while they have youth and strength to share with those who need their companionship. I know older people who say they sit all day and feel lonely. I don’t go there, as they say. My mantra is, “If you value my experience and my stories, I will value your warmth and companionship.” No sitting all day in front of the tube for me when there is so much more to life. And when my hay fever is finally over I am going to enjoy it all.

Georgie Bright Kunkel is a freelance writer who can be reached at
gnkunkel@comcast.net or 206-935-8663.