I drove to Kinkio's to get some printing done. (Next door to B&N my favorite store) I get in line to pay for my printing, and I'm right behind a rather large man in a power chair. When he turned around after paying, I introduced myself to him and his aid/companion. After we both got out side, we talked for about 10 minutes and exchanged emails. As his aid wrote down Cameron's email I noticed for the first time, that he could only move one arm and spoke a if he had had a stroke with his face somewhat distorted. I really hadn't noticed that in the store. Cameron's speech was a bit difficult to understand but I've spoken to people with CP that was much harder to understand. My first email from him he said "You were the first person who ever introduced themselves to me, and didn't turn away when I looked at them." We became fast friends. I drove over to his apartment (His Mother had an apartment across the hall) and he explained why he was in the chair. When he turned 34 he came home from work, turned on his answering machine and proceeded to listen to 34 Birthday well wishes from his many friends. That night, as he slept, he had three strokes in his sleep. Then he told me "Do you believe, that not one of those friends, or anybody else, ever has been in contact with me since I've had my strokes"? Cameron's job was to book bands in night clubs in New York City and Los Angeles. He flew from coast to coast and rode in limousine. He was a gay man, about 6'4" blond hair and blue eyes and extremely handsome. Very intelligent and extremely creative. Also, an amazing photographer. He was going to fairly Dickinson University (FDU) that was naturally down the street from where I'm starting to study architecture. I left after talking for about 2 hours, when I was down the sidewalk a little ways, his companion yelled down to me "We love your heart." We stayed friends for about 8 years. Every Christmas I would get a CD of Christmas music that he would get from the internet of traditional Christmas songs sung by various artists in different styles. Cameron LOVED anything different. Last year, around this time, we got into an argument about something,that I can't even remember, and he wouldn't answer my phone calls or emails. But just after 1 week he sent me an apology email. Then his computer and phones weren't working. I hadn't heard from him for 2 or 3 months so I sent him a letter through snail mail but it came back ... deceased return to sender. This past Christmas was really tough not getting Cameron's special CD's but I cherish the 5 I do have. I love you and miss you Cameron. Bobbie
Smile Everyday
