CELEBRATING ROLLATORS - ED'S STORY

 I have a friend named Ed. He is eighty-six years old.

In his earlier days, he was a star high school basketballer, a Catholic seminarian, a Vietnam combat veteran, a married man, and a thespian. Additionally, he is a degreed school teacher and social worker, and a dedicated follower of liberal political and progressive causes. He is currently a senior cantor at our church and a dedicated reader of the Bible, New York Times, and many magazines.

When he encounters anyone new at church, at a bar, at Kroger's, Walmart, his cigar shop, or the bookstore, he happily extends a greeting and starts a conversation. He is a lovable man of Irish descent and has many friends. He is an incredible extrovert. Finally, he amazingly maintains a sharp mind, wit, and youthful level of imagination and creativity.  

Now, Ed no longer drives and depends on others for transport to church, his favorite restaurants, and his doctors. He also uses a rollator and canes, but most often relies on his rolling device to get around. He rolls around for miles and miles every week in his daily travels and pursuits.

Last week, Ed called and reported the demise of his rollator. Seems like while at Barnes & Noble, his rollator failed to fold, and despite help from an employee, the device was dead. With help, he deposited it into a dumpster. He called and told me of his sadness, a prayerful farewell over the broken machine, and hopes its future would include a better rollator resting place. He called an Uber to get home.

His rollator was quickly replaced by the Veterans Administrator. 

However, the incident inspired Ed to a fresh train of thought. In his latest burst of mental energy, he announced his intention to compose an epic poem about rollators, organize a parade down Main Street with an array of uniquely colored and decorated rollators, and possibly stage a Broadway show celebrating rollators.

Before anyone dares to judge Ed and his fascination with rollators, realize that while his physical self declines, his mental acuity and original thinking remain vibrant.  

 Ed is an interesting and entertaining fellow, and I am happy to be his friend. Frankly, I admire and envy his thoughts beyond the ordinary and his energetic, creative mind.