unit 4 Seekingsteadyarmtoleanon.

Seeking Steady Arm to Lean on

【Abstract】Seeking steady arm to lean on is an article which points to the problem of the aged patients in the United States who live alone,and when they are ill,their plight always appears miserable.With the development of society and the traditional family made decomposition,more and more old people marched into the “empty nester”ranks,they rather part of life in the spirit and need to be concerned about,help and comfort for.earnest effort for them to do service work,the p arty and the government’s warm,social care to their hearts,to make “empty nest old man”in the street,community happiness,happy,healthy lives.But it is the only way of the construction of the harmonious community will be easier.

【Key Words】single-person households; empty-nest older;helpful man; aged patients; friends; endowment way; harmonious community

1 Introduction

Jane Gross, the author of article Seeking a Steady Arm to Lean On, is an American journalist. As the title indicates, it points to the problem of the aged patients in the United States who live alone, and when they are ill, their plight always appears miserable.The whole article gives five exa mples to state the increasingly serious phenomenon that the single aged patients are facing.

Grace McCabe,who lived alone with a fading eye sight,has fixed on one with a good heart,a steady hand under pressure and a talent for problem solving,her friend,Charlotte Frank.The author arranged this example at the beginning of the article which led to the thesis that the growing number of American households consisting of one person results from the baby boom years ago naturally.It also clears a view that patients cannot be both in the hospital and be their own quarterback when they discharge from hospital.Then,here comes the problem that who should take responsibility of the single aged patients.

Roberta Van Laven,who has advanced ovarian cancer,does not allow others to accompany her to chemotherapy because she feels it hard to accept help.This proud woman will not permit anyone to sit with her for six hours,though the distraction might be welcome.But it is really that it is just so hard to accept help.Another instant,Barbara R,a 68-year-old former college professor,who was given a diagnosis of breast cancer,seems to be more lucky.She not only has her family dependents,but also calls her own web of relationships for supporting.Barbara’s positive attitude towards disease reminds me of the importance of creating and making good use of communicates of friends.Also,the forth example of Ms.Moran and Ms.Martines impressed me on what a lifetime friendship really means--both friends will tide over the crisis and support mutually.

The final case about Mr.Daykin narrated that although he was taken care of by his friends,he still can not get rid of his greatest fear--to become a burden to anyone,to incur obligation.But finally,he bowed to dependence.The story of Mr.Daykin makes me think of how helpless and weak we will be when we are fighting with the disease.Anyway,we should not immerse ourselves in deep sorrow,we should not be trapped by physical pain,we should not lose heart and courage to fight against the illness.

People living alone are among the most difficult cases.Anyone who is sick or disabled needs