Helen Joyce Webber uses writing to escape the pain she suffers from contracting spinal meningitis when she was just 5 months old. She was not expected to live past her fifth birthaday, but Weber has always tackled life's problems head on.

Webber has lived at Village North Retirement Community for 10 years. In her apartment is a thick book she has worked on for twice that long. It chronicles her life from early childhood on her grandparents' farm near LaPlata, Missouri, to college in Kirksville, to a job in civil service. She recounts the physical therapy her grandparents used -- just keep moving. And she continues to devise her own therapy to counteract the crippling disease.

"I always had a good mind. Using it helped ease the pain," says Webber. "Many times people think disabled individuals are not capable of thinking for themselves. A lot of handicapped people give up. I wanted to write to inspire them."

Webber writes poetry -- 80 poems and verses to date. One was selected Editor's Choice Award for Outstanding Achievement in Poetry, presented by poetry.com and the International Library of Poetry. Her subject was life at Village North. The poem also is being recorded as part of a CD poetry collection.

"Village North is the first place I ever lived where I have peace," says Webber.

Village North
by Helen Joyce Webber

Village North is a senior citizen community,
Where senior citizens live in unity.
The place is surrounded by beautiful grounds,
Where people walk with joy, on their rounds.
There is a winding walkway down to a lake,
Where you can view the pretty sights of nature.
Flowers, woods, ducks and Canadian geese swimming on the lake,
Making it a delight to have a walking tour.
Early morning you can see the deer,
Hear the birds chirping their song.
Pretty blossoms on the trees, in springtime bring cheer,
And brilliant-colored leaves in the fall with cool breeze along.
There are four buildings connected together by an indoor corridor,
Where there is Independent Living, Supportive Living and Nursing Care.
With meals, all kinds of programs and games galore,
Giving people lots of good things to do
To lead a full life, and share.

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