Eddie

When Eddie was born he arrived in the world like anyone of us.  In those first months of life his parents saw 'signs' that suggested there might be something different about their son.  Still a baby he was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy.  Eddie was no longer just like anyone of us but he was still one of us.  Growing up his determined parents worked to have him mainstreamed in school.  One of Eddie's childhood highlights was winning a Soap Box Derby competition.  He enjoyed riding horses.  Just like anyone of us.

Eddie finished school, got his education, and is now a programmer.  He drives to work each day.  His family likes to play 'Skip Bo' and he plays to win.  And he loves to dance!  Just like anyone of us.  I met Eddie and his loving family on our recent fall cruise.  They were on it because Eddie learned about it and wanted to come along.

Each time that I was able to be with him on the cruise his smile lit up the room.  He is very bright and seems to remember everything.  His eyes reflect caring attention as he listens to you.  He laughs easily and, did I mention, he loves to dance.  He has more rhythm in his arms than I have in my body.  He is the kind of person you would enjoy meeting and getting to know.

Yet too many times people miss the joy of Eddie because they only see the Cerebral Palsy.  His physical movements often seem to be an act of contortion for something as simple as eating.  He gets around in his wheelchair and the short steps he takes are filled with spastic motions.  I could not understand his words but Mom and Dad did a great job of letting me know what Eddie was saying.

What are you going to see?  Someone who is different, not normal?  Someone who is normal with CP?  It is too easy to glance at him and feel pity-he doesn't look to be pitied.  It is too easy to feel sad for him and his family, wondering what it must be like for them. Facing their challenges, they are doing just fine-thank you.  With a shared love and determination they help Eddie be as fully involved with life as is possible.His Uncle Dick told me about the time when Eddie got his driver's license and his specially equipped van. He asked Uncle Dick if he wanted to go for a ride with him.  Uncle Dick's reply-"Absolutely not!"  I had to laugh at the story and I felt the love in its telling.

To see only his outward appearance is to deny ourselves the joy of spending time with a truly unique, fun-loving guy.  We laughed long and hard while on the cruise and, in his wheelchair, Eddie had his John Travolta "Saturday Night Fever" moves down pat.  if only we had had a white suit for him!

Eddie and his family give me hope for a more open and accepting world.  The privilege of their friendship is one of my best memories of our cruise.  I left the ship wondering two things: Who are the truly handicapped? And-could I beat Eddie at 'Skip Bo?'