I saw him on the beach flying a stunt kite. Such kites are manipulated by two hand controls and take very little wind to operate. They appear to have a spirit life all their own.
As he was animatedly describing details of the kite, I noticed his hands. His fingers were permanently folded into his palms. The skin on his face was stretched tight looking like some burn scars I have seen. His passion for his work was delightful.
His story unfolded with him telling me that he had a disease called scleroderma. The doctors told him it had about run it's course, and there was nothing they could do for him. He decided he would do what he always wanted to do.....go to the Oregon coast and fly kites. He is still alive, and still flying kites, well beyond the time anyone thought he would have.
On the "sail" of this kite, he has put the Celtic symbol for Eternal Life. He calls what he does -- "Tai Chi of the Wind."
I wanted to give him something for the "gift" he had given me. Oh yes, he would love to have tomatoes. As I tried, fumblingly, to secure them into his hands, we just looked at each other. Calmly smiling, time stopped, and it was all OK. I learned all I needed to know, at that moment, about acceptance.
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