Please publsih this story or post it.Thanks. ----- Original Message ----- From: Joe Mazzella To: [email protected] Sent: Monday, June 21, 2010 12:06 PM Subject: reformatted story: Farewell to a wonderful friend
Farewell to a wonderful friend By: Cynthia Groopman It was in the summer of 2002 that I met my friend, a firm, sturdy supportive one, and a true blue loyal friend, indeed. This friend was taken everywhere I would go, and would be there for me, during anytime of the day or night. There was no complaining, no anger expressed and there was the firm warm grip it gave me when we came into contact and touched. My friend and I would stroll down the halls at work, in the park at times, up and down so many different stair cases, at homes of friends as a guest, at different hotels and motels while on a trip and even on the field, at home plate at Yankee stadium when I received the Liberty Medal in 2006 in front of 54, 000 cheering fans. In times of confusion during illness, and high fever, even in my own home, when I would be lost or could not find my way my friend was there to guide me and was reassuring and comforting in my time of crises in October 2008. I would show it off to groups of people, and even make jokes and evoke laughter. I named him Able, for it made me an able person again. My friend, was not human, did not require food, clothing shelter, but it gave to me support and lots of feelings of self confidence and self esteem. Able was my white cane or blind stick as it is called. I would grip it and tap tap tap around the hallway of the best Western Hotel while on a trip and sing a song and tap in rhythm. I would find my way into accessible restrooms and then tap tap and tap to find my way. So, able was a good tap dancer and when I would introduce myself to groups of people, I would say that I walk softly and carry my big stick and would hold able proudly up for all to admire. I would sense a smile eminating from Able although Able was not human but to me, it took on human qualities. Tap tap tap able would go finding obstacles in my physical path. He would stay by my bed in a strange hotel room and would be ready for service until I became oriented. Up and down steps it would tap and up and down Access/a/ride buses it would take me and would show me the curbs of street crossings and would be my badge of honor. I would hold it out for others to see that I am totally blind. Able would sometimes tap and hurt a person in the leg but I would apologize to the injured party and told Able to behave. In October 2010, Able had an important mission and he tap tap tap for me as we went to the 114 PCT of the NYPD to file an incident report for harassment by an abusive client at work. He was proud to be there for me. This June, just a few days ago, on the 16, on a visit to the News Museum in Washington D.C., I was showing able off to the guide who escorted me around the museum and told me about the exhibits. I was proud of able and all he had done for me and the fact that he gave me mobility and served as eyes. I called him my guide cane or stick. Then, suddenly an incident occurred that really was strange. Able and I and the museum tour guide entered an elevator. Then without any warning, Able let go of my hand and slipped away. He slipped and went down an elevator shaft. I wistfully exclaimed," Oh Able is lost, my stick, oh oh oh oh". The elevator had to be put of service. Here I was in DC without able and there were feelings of sadness and loss and a heavy heart. In life we become attached and dependent upon objects that are so important to us in leading a full life. As a totally blind person, able was my tap tap tap and made me smile, gave me the ability to walk without a sighted guide and to me that was the most cherished gift of all. I have no idea where or why Able disappeared and left my life, but he came into my life for a reason and remained there for a long season. I have a replacement now, a new one, but there will never be another Able, and this stick Able made me feel as able as the sighted person. Where ever Able may be, he will always be in my memory. We must never take things for granted, our families, our friends, our neighbors, our Lord and nature's beauty and inventions that help us lead lives that are as productive and wonderful as others. Thus, as I end this article, I shall say, "farewell Able." -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Deaf-Blind Inspirational Life Group" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/dbilg?hl=en.
