Social Security and the Community

Social Security helps make it possible for my Mom and Dad to be retired, which frees them up to support many others around them.  They are available to provide child care for their five grandchildren (my nieces and nephews) whenever needed, whether that means transporting their older grandchildren to ballet, soccer, or swimming after school, meeting their granddaughter when she arrives home on the bus from kindergarten, or taking care of their two-year-old grandson most weekdays.

This allows four other people to work -- my brother, my sister, and their spouses.  My parents are also able to help out with bookkeeping, mailings, and other work at my brother's relatively new optometry practice.  They actively participate in their synagogue as well, holding leadership positions and volunteering to coordinate fundraisers.  My parents may be retired from paid work, and they may be receiving Social Security, but they are giving back far more to their family and community.