For the sake of this story, let’s call my friend Joe. Joe’s family grew up in Sicily. When he was around the age of fourteen, relatives helped him come to America. Now these relatives were not real close to Joe, but they gave him opportunity.
Joe stayed in the basement of their home. Things were cozy enough for him down there. One morning Joe awoke to a squirrel in his bed. The window had been left open and the squirrel came in. Much to his surprise the squirrel bit Joe! Worried about tetanus, the relatives took him to a doctor who gave Joe a shot. Unfortunately, the shot wasn’t the right thing to do. Between the bite and the shot it left Joe crippled.
With much determination, Joe learned to live with his condition. He set his goals on being a normal productive citizen. He married and had two beautiful daughters. Eventually, he began working for the state of Michigan helping others with handicaps to find work. Isn’t that ironic?
Joe inspires everyone he meets. Watching him maneuver with the crutches, his ability to drive, work out at the gym, take care of himself is empowering to say the least. This is a man who overcame what we call disability, to make a difference for others. He since divorced and remarried, and that’s where I came to know him. He is at a point of retiring soon. He would rather work, but his shoulders are shot from the crutches. He doesn’t feel sorry for himself, or rely on others for his happiness. He is truly a great man!
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