To the editor:

The article on the front page of the Sunday, Aug. 5 paper was disturbing to say the least. The subject was “waiting for assistance from the state.” She has heart problems, diabetes, fibromyalgia and other ailments. She has difficulty walking and has had numerous falls. She needs someone to do dishes and sweep and mop the floor. The article implies that she is “entitled” to help from the state — or those of us who pay taxes.

Not everyone with the same “ailments” expects or demands help for existence. I know a woman who has heart problems, was diagnosed with fibromyalgia 20 years ago and has arthritis that has crippled her hands and back. Somehow, this woman managed to work until age 66, maintain a household, exercise almost daily, avoid diabetes in spite of it “running in her family” and decided that her pain and problems would never stop her from living to the fullest.

The woman in the article could improve her life and health by making decisions to manage diabetes with diet and exercise (starting very slowly and increasing as she gains strength), by getting rid of the clutter in her home and decreasing the possibility of falling and by learning some skills for the workplace.

Is it a matter of choice, determination and will to be the woman I know? She never asked for or expected help from the state although she qualified. I know her well. She is my wife.