I was thinking about the Amish and their medical care this week.

Kathy sent us a link to a documentary she found on the Amish. At the end of the program, one of the Amish men talked about how the community has a program to help with medical expenses. The community takes care of its own, from helping each other with chores and cleaning and such when the need arises to funding medical care to sharing a home with their elderly parents (the Amish do not collect Social Security). The documentary is about two men who become dissatisfied with the rules in their community. It's a compelling glimpse into the lifestyle of the Amish. (I don't want to tell you why there is a discussion about medical care at the end but prepare to have your heart strings tugged.) You can view the documentary at  http://www.abc.net.au/compass/s2606271.htm  (Thanks, Kathy!)

Another reason I had for thinking about Amish medical care was because I made a hurried visit to my eye doctor this afternoon after I experienced a problem with one of my eyes. As I sat there waiting for the dilation meds to work, I thought it would be interesting to write a blog entry abut the Amish since some people think they don't believe in getting medical care. I apparently had a LOT of dilation meds becaue things are still a little blurry. So I'm going to have to cut this short -- and apologize in advance for any typos. (The eye is fine, by the way.)

Before I go, I want to announce that the winner of last week's contest to be a featured reader in this space is Rose. Congratulations! I'll be contacting you for more information and a photo. I appreciate the readers who entered -- we evidently have many readers who are shy about talking about themselves. It's not a favorite activity of mine, either, so I understand.

"See you" next week!

Barbara