Charles Bridge, Prague
Where I made Gaye an  Honest Women and Me, the happiest man on Earth

In the New York Times the other day I came across a commencement speech from Chris Waddell, a current Champion paralympic ski racer that had an accident which broke his back and left him paralyzed from the waist down 8 years ago. Last year, as Chris was getting out of his car and pulling his chair out, a little girl rode by, on her pink bike, streamers coming off her handle bars, she asked Chris, "What happened to your legs?" Chris told her the story in which the girl replied, "So you'll never walk again?" and Chris answered with a sad voice. "No, probably not"  As she rode away, she said, "That's too bad."

Chris in reflection wish he could go back and let the little girl know; "If I never had my accident I never would have been the best in the world at anything. I wouldn't have turned a hobby into a profession. I wouldn't have acted in a soap opera. I wouldn't have met presidents and heads of state. I wouldn't be giving this speech at Middlebury College today.

      But that little girl saw the tragedy;

      she didn't see the potential gift.

In this Less Gaye World (LGW), I have to stop focusing on tragedy and loss. I was indeed so blessed to be the recipient of Gaye's heart.   (I still can't believe she married me.) I know part of the pain I am experiencing now was part of the happiness back then.  As I have said many times before, only a precious few on this earth were touched by her Spirit and Love.

Where is the Tragedy in that?

God, I was so lucky.

Out of the tragedy and loss, my gift has been the full faith I have in God today. Although, I might not understand anything, because of Gaye, I can lean on God for strength and acceptance and one day, understanding.



Faith, Hope and Love (and Deacon) - Reminding me of my gifts from Gaye everyday.