Federal paid leave policy is needed

My name is James Henderson. I am 36 years old, and I was born with spina bifida, a chronic birth defect in which the spine does not form properly. I have worked for many years.   

My main concern while working disabled has been taking time off to take care of personal, medical, and health needs related to my disability, which include but are not limited to, various doctor appointments, spina bifida clinics and potential hospital stays.   

I support a federal, comprehensive paid family and medical leave policy because I know what it’s like to struggle without this leave. I have never let this or anything in my life stop me from doing my best.   

I believe that we weren’t born into this world to do everything, but we are born into this world to do at least one thing. It is very important for me to have a job; it helps me to know that I’m making a decent living in providing for myself and my family.   

Helping others is something I’ve never given up on and never will give up on. My motto since high school is: “Never give up; quit your crying; live by my motto; keep on trying.”  

My focus since the beginning of last year has been helping to take care of my grandmother, who suffered two strokes, resulting in hospital stays and being in and out of rehab. During that time, I was fortunate that all I had to be concerned with was taking time off from work for doctor appointments related to my disability.   

I was able to see my grandmother on days I did not have to go to work and help her recover by exercise. I take great pride in helping my grandmother and my family is very grateful.  

When my grandmother was able to return home with my aunt after her second stroke, I began to visit and help with ongoing exercise at home. I was able to continue to visit my grandmother on days I did not have to go to work.   

I cannot help but wonder what will happen if I ever land a full-time job. It’s hard enough requesting time off for myself, and in my experience, not every employer is understanding of that. But what if I needed or wanted to take time off to help my family with my grandmother? That means numerous days off from work and I would not be able to afford losing all that pay.  

This is why comprehensive paid leave would be beneficial to me and for others in my situation. I should not be held back in exploring my options for working — no one should.  

Now more than ever, we need Congress and the Biden administration to ensure all workers can access the paid leave they need to recover from illness or a serious medical condition, care for a sick loved one, or welcome a new child.    

That’s essential to help people stay in their jobs during this pandemic and beyond. I support passing permanent paid leave in COVID-19 relief, and I know it will benefit people like me and you, the current employee or job hunter.  

James E. Henderson Jr. is a resident of Langhorne.