Seems that my brother in law Michael is one of the most determined and driven people I have ever met. His battle back from a near deadly stroke exactly 5 years ago has been nothing short of remarkable. Part of his success can be attributed to his almost daily visit to our neighborhood YMCA for a good workout and a long treadmill walk. A couple days a week a Korean War Vet named Bob comes to pick him up and they attend their workout as a team. They met at the Y and Bob took an interest, but Michael has that kind of effect on people.
He has also mastered Dial A Ride, a transport service for the disabled here in Phoenix that provides door to door rides. He accidentally dropped his phone in the van the other and the driver went to extraordinary lengths to track him down, even buying a charger so she could use his memorized numbers to find someone to call him and let him know she had it. This was bending the rules a bit but she knew if it went to the Lost and Found the second half of the phrase would never quite become reality.
I have visited the Christown YMCA three days a week for the past 18 years and I can tell you that the folks running the place have never lacked for enthusiasm in looking for ways to serve the community. They have treated Michael exceptionally well ever since his arrival. So it was natural that when they launched the idea of having a raffle for annual Strong Kids Campaign fund raiser that Mike would be first in line to buy.
Wouldn't you know it--he won! The prize? Being recognized as Member of the Month. It was almost surreal when I made my way to my usual Tuesday evening yoga class and saw Michael's name plastered on every door! When I got to aerobics that Saturday the instructor Jim, who knows everyone in the place told me that he thought it was a bit amusing that Michael garnered his own parking space for being member of the month. I filled Jim in on the Bob connection! So even though he does not drive Michael could use the parking space through his driver Bob! Sometimes things just work out!
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