Posted on 01/31/2004 10:58:27 AM PST by basil
Long time freepers will remember with fondness this wonderful, sometimes cantankerous freeper who added a lot to FR a few years back. He and I used to email back and forth a bit, and today, I thought of him, and realized that I hadn't heard from him in a long time, so I sent him an email. Here is his reply:
Well, Mari: old friend.... thank you for your e-mail.
It has indeed been a long time... I haven't been able to "tune in" on FreeRepublic for.... I guess it's been well over a year, since my Boss decided to take my eyesight through a tricky little deal called "macular degeneration." Since the sight is gone, it makes participation in FreeRepublic all but impossible.
I miss you, and all the other "friends" that I used to be able to communicate with..... Billie, LadyX, Badjoe, ah...far too many to name them all.... I miss the good times on Freeper Island, and all the nonsense that went with it..... so... I miss all of you. I can't see to read anymore...but I can still type.
In spite of the loss of sight, my Boss does a good job in taking care of my being. There really isn't much worth seeing anymore, anyhow. Over the years, I think I've seen it all.....been there, done that. So... I continue to have good health, and I hope THAT continues until He takes me home.
I sincerely hope He continues to bless you and yours, and that you continue to be one of the shining stars of FreeRepublic. I miss you all, more than I can tell you.
God Bless...... Invictus
I didn't know him then but would certainly like to now. But I would think his example would offer a prototype of a methodology for FReepers to suppoort their fellow pals who are visited by such circumstances. Perhaps a fellow FReeper- surely Invictus is still one such- from their community or locale could act as a go-between, or other possibilities might be explored.
I do know that FReepers as a bunch are generally both caring and creative. And I bet that there's a way for Invictus to become more of this unique community again.
And I'd appreciate it if one of those in topuch with him would pass the idea on to him as well. His viewpoint on such things is one to be particularly considered.
Invictus, you take care; but don't get too relaxed. You may yet have some important contributions to make here.
-archy-/-
If the technology you describe doesn't apply to Invictus, it could still be applicable to some other FReeper or potential FReeper with a similar permanent or temporary situation. And there will be casualties from Afghanistan and Iraq who have suffered recent injuries who might also find both specific technologies and a online community working to adapt them to those needing them to apply in their cases as well, or to those of others of which they are acquainted.
A ping list for those inclined to note further developments along these lines and work with those FReepers to whom such considerations might apply- not necessarily *just* vision limitations, though that' should certainly be a primary focus- would seem to be a likely starting place.
-archy-/-
The device that reads the computer screen for you sounds wonderful.
I don't know why "the Boss" gave him this MD burden to bear, but there must be a reason for it - and only for the good, as hard as that is to understand.
I hope some of the audio options that other FReepers have mentioned will be tried. It would be great to have him back at FR again, sharing his wisdom and sense of fun.
How ironic that he exemplifies the poem Invictus. One would almost think that the poem was named after him, rather than the other way around. <:D
Basil, could you please pass along my sentiments to him? Let him know how much we love him and miss him.
And thank you for sharing his email with us - that's very much appreciated. How sweet of you to email him.
Invictus
(Invincible Sun)
by James Swearingen
Amen,..........More Grace and Mercy,......In Jesus' Precious Name, Amen!!!
Isn't there some sort of talking program that he could use?
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