A Massive Thank You

I wanted to take this extra time that I have to express my deep appreciation to those of you who are reading this that helped in the assistance of getting a new wheelchair.

I began the goal of reaching a very meager $3,000 but then realized that with fees and what not, I would not receive that amount if I received that equally in donations. So I raised it to $3,500.

To be very honest with everyone, I honestly believed that I would only receive a few hundred dollars.

The $3,500 goal was raised in TWO AND A HALF DAYS! And what was even more shocking than ever was the fact that even though I had reached that goal in such a short amount of time that I still received very generous donations. 100 donations came close to $4,300!

It has been a month or more since the last online donation, and as of last week, I have been talking to someone through Twitter who still wishes to give another $100 via personal donation.

Trust me when I say that I wept for days. Emotional would not even begin to describe it.

For those of you who donated, I cannot thank you enough. For those of you who shared the link to the donation website, I deeply appreciate it. The response was overwhelming.

The donation page is still active. But I believe at this point, I would be shocked to receive any more.

I also was able to set up a different page in which people can order a t-shirt with a hashtag that I commonly use in all of my social media. If there is any interest in that, I can provide information.

In the rare chance that I am wrong about no longer receiving donations, I will add that money to the up keep and maintenance of the new wheelchair that I had to buy in haste as the loaner wheelchair gave out on me rather quickly.

So thank you so very much from the bottom of my butt…. since its much much larger than my heart in size!!!

Balls Of Steel

 

“A really strong woman accepts the war she went through and is ennobled by her scars. “~ Carly Simon

In the mess that is current life, I was feeling very determined to come back for all of you and share a tale during the lull of commotion and weirdness.

A story you may find humor in, and that’s okay. And others might find astounding.

For those of you who watch “The Walking Dead” you might be reminded of the one liner that Negan says: “You got some beach ball-size lady-nuts on you, coming in all kamikaze like that.”

This is one story that I feel would illicit a very similar response.

Last Friday (Cinco de Mayo) I went out to downtown Austin to see some live music. Three varying musical acts in three different venues. The last of which I have spoken about when I was doing concert reviews on this blog.

With most bands comes merchandise. With merchandise comes the responsibility of someone to watch over it all and take part in the transactions of sales.

I was sitting around waiting for the music to begin and I felt something strange come over me as if someone was watching.

I gazed over at the merch tables and a young woman was gazing what I thought could have been in my direction. She seemed happy and content in her little chair. Smiling and waving. But I was not 100% sure if she was waving at me or at someone behind me. I was not very close, probably twenty feet away so there could have been anyone in that line of sight that she was communicating with.

I went past her on the way to the rest room, but I was not paying her any attention and she shouted out to get my attention. However this being a live music venue, I could not understand what she was saying. So I moved on ignoring her.

I returned to my usual place near front and center of the stage and I noticed movement from the table, her eyes locked on me the entire time. I knew she was about to come over to me.

Unfortunately, she had no idea that she was actually invading my personal space. Since I did not know her, I didn’t make a fuss about it.

And then suddenly …………. LET THE GAME BEGIN.

She leaned over into my ear and asked if I knew how to slow dance. The band was playing a slow song so it was an appropriate question for the time. I shook my head no.

The next question was straight to the point. Are you married?

Wow!!!

Time for situation control. Since she was in my personal space and I was actually getting uncomfortable, I told her that I was married. I had hoped she would at least take a few steps back. All I got in response was this loud “Awwww!” and she promptly and swiftly returned to her post at the table.

A little while later in between bands, I stepped outside to watch people and grab some fresh air. Wouldn’t you know it, she came outside and headed straight for me!!! Charging like Custer’s Last Stand.

Again, she wasted no time in asking where my wife was. I simply said “she was not here” and she nodded. Then very sheepishly asked if she could give me a hug.

After lying to her twice… I began to feel rotten. So I allowed her request. To which she slipped her arms around my neck and squeezed very tight. The side of my face buried into her chest for a couple of seconds before she let go.

She stood there, hanging on to my wheelchair in awkward silence. Again in my personal space so I turned my head the opposite direction. Several minutes passed and neither one of us was talking until finally she let go and returned inside.

She and I would exchange glances again and she blew one more kiss. I waved back.

I thought about this experience a few hours later and I began to realize something about her. Something that I felt was very unique and special about this young woman.

We always talk about those creepy people that come after us, but we never hear about those who choose to be respectful in their approach. So much to the point that all these warnings we hear about people that we begin to question every little motive of everyone else.

One thing was for sure. She knew what she was looking for and she went for it. The moment she realized the answer was NO, she stopped and went no further.

At the moment I said to her that “my wife was not here” she honestly could have hinted or insisted on participating in something on the side. But she did not. She left it alone. She obtained the information she was seeking and dropped it.

I also want to point out that she was full of courage in going after what she was wanting or at least curious about. She followed through. And looking back on it now, it was a different and refreshing approach as she had more guts than a lot of single MEN that I know. From personal experiences and listening to other men talking about this issue, there are so many men who lack that kind of confidence.

I want to say that I know a lot of men who could really learn from this young woman.