I have read many letters concerning the governor’s proposed budget. Gov. Paul LePage’s background is in business — taking inventories and making the best choices he can for profit.

As a disabled person, I see others like myself struggling with the benefits they now have.

Recently, I was riding in a state-funded transportation service that drives disabled people to and from their doctor and therapy appointments. The driver stopped at the hospital to pick up an elderly patient. This man was atrophied and his hands were nearly locked shut. As we rode, he stated that his therapy had helped his pain so much but started to cry as he said that his program was being terminated as a result of the funding cuts that are being made.

Then he said, “Time to die, anyway.”

I waited until he was out of the van before I cried.

If he were LePage’s father, would he shut him out like that?

My plea here is that LePage walk a week in the shoes of the people he intends to lead.

I’m not an extremist. I’m willing to make sacrifices because the economy is a mess, but LePage should take inventory on a human level.

Joyce Philbrook, Lewiston